Dan R. Kraft – Venice, Fla., formerly of Rostraver Township
Dan R. Kraft, 86, of Venice, Fla., formerly of Rostraver Township, passed away on Nov. 17, 2023, in Venice, Fla. Son of the late Charles J. Kraft Sr. and the late Elva Atkinson Kraft of Belle Vernon, Dan was born in Monongahela on Oct. 4, 1937. He was a former member of St. Sebastian Roman Catholic Church in Belle Vernon and former member/parish council at St. Anne’s Roman Catholic Church in Rostraver Township. Dan was also a proud graduate of California State Teachers College (California University of Pennsylvania) earning both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in industrial arts. For over 10 years Dan was director of external affairs and alumni relations for California University of Pennsylvania. Since that time, Dan was honored with the Dedicated Californian award and has continued his unwavering support for the university. Most recently, Dan was chief operating officer at UPMC Passavant Hospital in North Hills, where he retired. Dan is survived by two sons and daughters-in-law, Jeffrey L. and Jennifer A. Kraft of Somerset County, Pa., and Scott R. and Donna Lenzo Kraft of Easton, Pa.; four grandchildren, Jennifer L. Wood, Alex D. Kraft, Sarah M. Kraft and Lindsay M. Kraft; a brother, Charles J. Kraft Jr.; and a sister in-law, Reda (Roe) Holt. In addition to his parents, Dan was preceded in death by his wife of 60 years, Donella “Donna” (Roe) Kraft; and a sister, Patricia (Kraft) Fresa. There will be no public visitation or services. There will be a private memorial service at a later date. Entombment will be in Belle Vernon Cemetery. Arrangements have been entrusted to FERGUSON FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATORY INC., 700 Broad Ave., Belle Vernon, www.FergusonFuneralHomeAndCrematory.com, 724-929-5300. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to either the Foundation for California University of Pennsylvania or the Passavant Hospital Foundation.
