Russell J. Kraft

KRAFT

Russell J., age 95, passed away on Friday, November 9, 2018, at Hospice of Hamilton. He was born in Jersey City, NJ, the son of the late Joseph M. and Christine (nee Weik) Kraft. Russell was a 1940 graduate of Hamilton High School; and served in the United States Navy during WWII as an aircraft mechanic. On January 31, 1942, he married his high school sweetheart, Angelena DeCicco, at the Redeemer church in Hamilton, OH. Angie preceded him in death on February 12, 2004.

Russell was employed by Buckeye Pattern Shop, in Hamilton, until he joined the Hamilton Fire Dept., on November 1, 1952. He retired as Deputy Chief of Training on March 13, 1981. He was an avid boater, spending many enjoyable weekends cruising the Ohio River and water skiing. Russell loved golfing and bicycling at his house in Holiday, FL, as well as in Hamilton in the summers. He was a member of the Washington Masonic Lodge #17, F&AM Hamilton, OH.

He is survived by his daughter, Judi (Johnnie) Russell of Fairfield Twp.; grandson, Chris Russell of Fairfield Twp.; cousin, Barbara (nee Kraft) Hora of Cleveland; sister in law, Wilabe Kraft; and several nieces and nephews. A very special thank you goes out to Ms. Cara Farmer, his caregiver and friend for the last five years.

In addition to his wife and parents, he is preceded in death by his siblings, Kenneth Kraft and Mary Jane (nee Kraft) Schmitz. Masonic service will begin at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, November 14, 2018 with Funeral services following at the Avance Funeral Home and Crematory, 4976 Winton Rd., Fairfield, 45014. Visitation will be 12:30- 1:30 p.m. Burial will follow at Rose Hill Burial Park.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to the Honor Guard, Hamilton, Fire Dept., 77 Pershing Ave., Hamilton, 45011. Condolences may be offered at www.avancefuneralhome.com

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Russell J. Kraft, please visit our floral store.