Obituary of Thomas Davis Kraska

Thomas Davis Kraska July 24, 1927 - June 11, 2010 Thomas Davis Kraska, 82, a lifelong Danbury resident, died peacefully in the presence of his beloved niece, Joan, at her home in Brookfield, on Friday, June 11th. He was born in Danbury on July 24, 1927, son of the late Frank S. and Mary (Janulewicz) Kraska. He was a graduate of St. Peter School and attended Danbury High School. At the age of 17, Thomas heard the call of duty to serve his Country, asking his father to sign the authorization to join the United States Navy. He was a Veteran of World War II, proudly serving on the USS Shelby Attack Transport APA 105 as a ships cook 3rd class and his battle station was the 40 MM Gun Crew. He was a part of the initial invasion of Okinawa on April 1st 1945, and was a member of the Magic Carpet Fleet who helped to bring the troops home from the Philippines, where they were detained for 34 months . He was a recipient of the American Theater Medal, Asiatic Pacific Medal with 1 Star, and the Victory Medal. In his younger years, he worked for Lee's Farm, went on to work as a brim pouncer for several area hat shops, and worked for the railroad in the Brush Gang. He also worked for Bendix Mexicana in Mexico, Chance Vought Aircraft in Stratford, Frouge Construction in Bridgeport, and Bardens Corp in Danbury. He then went on to work for Ampehenol in Danbury for more than 45 years. He loved his years at Amphenol and made many lifelong friendships during his employment there. He will be sadly missed by his beloved niece, Joan E. Kraska and her companion, Gerard "Gerry" Martin; his brother, John J. Kraska of St. Louis; nieces and nephews, Dean Kraska, Diane Selvaggi, Terry DeWitt, Linda Willig, and Thomas Kraska; as well as many more nieces, nephews, and extended family members of the Janulewicz, Canfield, Yarish, Gereg, Kellogg and Chatterton families. He was predeceased by his brothers, Frank W. and Joseph J. Kraska; and his sister, Marie E. Kraska. Funeral Information A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, June 17th at 10:00am at Sacred Heart of Jesus Church, Cottage Street, Danbury. Burial will follow in St. Peter Cemetery, with full military honors. The family will receive friends at the Cornell Memorial Home, 247 White Street, Danbury, on Wednesday evening between the hours of 5:00 and 8:00pm. Joan would like to express her gratitude to Robin Vickland of Regional Hospice, the doctors, nurses, aides, and other staff members of the Danbury Hospital 10th Floor and 12th Floor Rehab for their loving and professional care of Thomas during his illness. Their compassionate care brought both Thomas and Joan great comfort during such difficult times.