Robert D. Kraus

Robert D. Kraus, 61, Penfield, passed away Tuesday, February 19. 2019, at Allegheny General Hospital in Pittsburgh after a lengthy battle with cancer. He was born April 26, 1957 in St. Mary’s, PA the son of the late A. Raymond & Ila (Swackhammer) Kraus. He leaves behind his life partner of 41 years Joe Sexton of Penfield.

He was a 1975 graduate of St. Mary’s High School. His first job was at McDonalds in St. Mary’s, where he left as a shift manager. He then worked at Keystone Carbon in St. Mary’s for 41 years leaving there as a Supervisor. Along with attending St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Robert was also the Church organist for many years. He will be remembered for his love of music. At the age of 5, he studied under Sister M. Cyrilla O.S.B. becoming an organist for many Parishes in the area. In addition to an organist, Robert was a pianist for The Singing Dutchman, which gave him great pleasure. He also loved growing flowers and caring for his fur babies, Baby Blue and Chuck.

In addition to his life partner Joe Sexton, Robert also leaves behind, three sisters, Theresa (Tim) Coppock of St. Mary’s, Laurie (Joe) Mahovlich of Rathbun and Renee (Brian) Wilson of Kersey, aunt Dora (John) DeCarli, uncle Arley Swackhammer, nephews Shawn & Brian Coppock, Matt & Eric Mahovlich, Brandon & Rob Bennett and Brendan Wilson, great nephew Raymond Tillburg, nieces Julie Wilson, Janell Doran, Tricia Nicolette, RaeAnn Mahovlich, Kylee Bennett and Kirsten Gabler.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, February 27, 2019, from 4 until 7pm at the Ralph M. Geer Funeral Home in Penfield. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, February 28, at 12 noon at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in St. Mary’s with Fr. Peter Augustine Pierjok, O.S.B., as celebrant. Burial will follow on Thursday at ParkLawn Memorial Gardens.

In lieu of flowers family suggest donations to Either Elk County EMS, 625 Maurus St, St. Mary’s, PA 15857, Bennetts Valley Ambulance PO Box 48 or St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 315 Church St. St. Mary’s, PA 15857.

Online condolences can be made at www.nedzafamilyfuneralhomes.com