Joseph F. Kratochvil

Born, October 25, 1926, in New York City to the late Joseph and Barbara Kratochvil, he served in the U.S. Navy Reserve during final months of World War II and sailed around the world. Soon after he met Freda, the love of his life, and they were married April 23, 1949. In 1951 he joined the New York City Fire Department as well as moving to East Meadow, NY where he raised his 6 children. He retired from F.D.N.Y. in 1971 and moved to Culpeper, VA where he worked and retired from the Federal Reserve Bank at Mount Pony, Culpeper. Joe enjoyed all sports especially playing golf, softball, and bowling.

He also had a passion for woodworking and created many wonderful things for his home, family and friends. He volunteered helping others throughout the community, especially with his long association with the Knights of Columbus. Joe was a Charter Member of both the Bellmore, NY Council, and John J. Cempre Council #6328, as well as Grand Knight and Past Grand Knight in both. He was also very active in Precious Blood Catholic Church. One of the organizations that had a special place in his heart, was the Culpeper (now Piedmont) Soap Box Derby, with one of his fondest moments being when one of his grandsons won the World Championship in Akron, OH in 2016.

In addition to his parents, Joe was preceded in death by his son, Jimmy Kratochvil. Joe leaves behind his bride Freda, of 70 years, his son Joe Kratochvil (Anneliese) of Rixeyville, and his daughters Eileen Hunter (Bob) of Scranton, PA, Maureen McNemar (Jim) of Culpeper, Loretta Fleming (Tim) of Fredericksburg and Jane Bunch (Vernon) of Culpeper. Additional survivors include one brother Frank Kratochvil (Marie) of East Setauket, LI, NY, one sister Ann Malone (Jack) of Commack, LI, NY and numerous nieces and nephews. He also is survived by 15 grandchildren Melissa Kratochvil, Jacob McNemar, Candice Rueda, Sean McNemar, Jennifer Berryman, Jonathan Fleming, Matthew Fleming, AnnMarie Collins, Bob Hunter, J.J. McNemar, Jason Bunch, Kelly Bunch, Taylor Rupard, Tony Kratochvil, and Joey Kratochvil. There are also 9 great grandchildren Julianne McNemar, Ryan McNemar, Shane Fleming, Declan McNemar, Alex Fleming, Chase McNemar, Adrianna Rueda, Marreon Chavis, and Ryker Berryman, who were all near and dear to his heart.

The family will receive friends from 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.and 6:00 p.m.- 8:00 p.m. on Sunday, February 17th at Clore-English Funeral Home with the Knights of Columbus Retirement of Regalia and Chalice Ceremony being held at 2:00 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10:00 a.m. Monday, February 18th at Precious Blood Catholic Church, with a private burial at the Culpeper National Cemetery.

The family would like to thank UVA Pegasus, UVA Trauma ICU, and the Hospice of the Piedmont for their service and wonderful care during this difficult time.

In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations be made to the Culpeper County Volunteer Fire Department (151-153 W. Davis St., Culpeper, VA 22701), The Freda Kratochvil Music Scholarship of Precious Blood Catholic Church ( c/o 114 E. Edmondson St., Culpeper, VA 22701) or The Piedmont Area Soap Box Derby ( P.O. Box 108, Brandy Station, VA 22714).

Fond memories and condolences of Joe may be shared with the Kratochvil family through clore-english.com. The Kratochvil family has entrusted Clore-English Funeral Home with these arrangements.