John Kravos Jr., 90, of New Beaver Boro passed away Monday, March 18, 2019 at Heritage Valley Hospital in Beaver following an extended illness.
Born January 22, 1929 in Wampum, he was the son of the late John and Leopolda Volk Kravos Sr. He was married to Edith DiFalco Kravos for 69 years She survives.
John retired from Medusa Cement Company in 1991. He was a member of the former St. Monica Parish.
In addition to his wife, Edith, survivors include a son, John Kravos III of Wampum; daughter, Karen (Bill) Geer of Wampum; two brothers, Mike (Jenny) Kravos of Medway, Ohio, Ed (Mary Ann) Kravos of Canton, Ohio; and two grandchildren, Kurt Andrew and Kelly Lynn.
He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Cecelia.
Friends will be received on Thursday, March 21 from 4 pm until the time of the Blessing service at 6 pm at the Marshall Funeral Home, 341 Main Street Wampum. Interment will follow in Holy Redeemer Cemetery.
Memorial Contributions may be made to the donor’s favorite charity.
Online condolences may be sent to marshallsfh.com.
Uncle John was a strong man who loved, served, and provided a beautiful home for his family, and a hospitable stopping ground for all the friends and family who loved to visit. He greeted them in his best attire: green or tan pants and a clean white shirt; the uniform of a disciplined man of routine who was motivated by love for his family. His quiet presence with an occasional chuckle, was emotionally grounding to all who wanted to sit around on his kitchen island to talk, drink and “EAT!” (as he was known to say with the full force of his deep voice!). I remember how hard he worked to plant and harvest with no doubt the best sweet corn in Western Pennsylvania, battling the wet corn stalks to pick at 6am and fighting every menacing groundhog that dared to take a bite of his corn. He lovingly included his nieces and nephews for rides on his tractor and made them feel as if they were working for a fortune 500 company as they dutifully performed all the job requirements of getting the corn to the customer at the roadside corn stand. He was a model citizen, putting in more than a full days work, and model health champion by taking the time for daily walks, and just sitting to relax on his porch, always open to a friendly visitor to get a dose of social medicine. Though he believed that a motor home and a boat would help to catch a lot of fish- it really didn’t because he never did catch the fish of his dreams. The real catch was just hanging out with family, enjoying the sunshine, and having a beer with good friends. It was a simple life with simple pleasures that inspired us all to just slow down and be with the people who we love that really matters in life. Thank you Uncle John for the life lessons that you taught in the example of a life well lived. PS: And Uncle John, though you broke your promise to dance with me at my wedding- I look forward to the day that I can see you in heaven with your dancing shoes on and ready to dance to a fast polka! After all those years of just watching Edith, I know you learned some good dance moves. You will be missed by all of us who loved and knew you.
John Kravos was one of the “Heroes of Old” whose life reflected faithfulness and humility, living his life around serving the family he loved. He was a loving son who cared for his aging parents, their farm, their home, running errands and taking his mother to Sunday mass. He was a devoted father and faithful husband of 69 years. He was a good steward of his health walking 3 miles daily. As my uncle, he tuned in to the needs of the nieces and nephews spending his free time to take us fishing and allowing us to “help” on the farm. He made his life count choosing what is best and leaving us with memories that have shaped us all. I will miss the twinkle in his eye and the deep love you felt when he was glad to see you. I will miss the lovingly way he teased his wife, Edith, while passing us all a wink. Relationships were important to him and he spent much of his time connecting with friends and family around the kitchen island or out on the porch. He left us with a legacy of what makes a good man and a rich life.
That was such a great tribute to Uncle John. I always felt so welcomed and loved by him. Words I will never forget…”well, hello there” as he greeted you and “you are pulling my leg”. You always felt you were telling the most amazing story to him. I will miss him and his spirit. We can all learn quite a bit from him.