Robert Michael Kraft

Robert M. Kraft, 84, of Wilkes-Barre, PA passed away on August 17, 2020 in Springfield, VA. Robert M. Kraft was born in Wilkes-Barre, PA to Arnold and Eleanor Kraft on January 14, 1936. He married Elizabeth A. Coyle on August 17, 1957 in Drexel Hill, PA. Following graduation from the Pennsylvania State University in 1957, Robert was commissioned as an Ensign in the United States Navy. Robert was designated a Naval Aviator in 1959 and flew P-2 and P-3 aircraft in the Atlantic, Caribbean, Mediterranean and Vietnam theaters. He earned a post-masters Degree of Aeronautical Engineering from the Naval Postgraduate School in 1965 and graduated as a distinguished graduate of the US Naval Test Pilot School in 1971. The remainder of his naval career included three years as a test pilot (including Senior Test Pilot for the S-3A), numerous staff and engineering program management positions, and two command tours – Commanding Officer of the Naval Plant Representative Office (NAVPRO), Burbank, CA from 1979-1981 and Commanding Officer, Naval Air Engineering Center (NAEC), Lakehurst, NJ from 1981-1983. Robert retired from the US Navy in 1988 as a Captain, USN following a 31-year career that included over 5,000 flight hours in over 30 aircraft. His awards include the Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal, and both the Navy Commendation and Navy Achievement Medals. After retiring from the Navy, Robert joined SEMCOR and worked 11 years as an Aviation Engineering manager and Director of Corporate Planning / Proposals. Fully retired in 1999, Robert continued to enjoy life as an avid theater attendee and active member of the Smithsonian Associates, National Geographic Society and National Archive. Robert is preceded in death by his parents, Arnold and Eleanor Kraft, as well as his siblings Arnold Kraft Jr., Mary Ellen Hansen and Kenneth Kraft. Robert is survived by his former wife, Elizabeth Kraft; his 3 children Neal Kraft, Kevin Kraft and Lisa Lee; as well as his 7 grandchildren Rachel Chandler, Daniel Kraft, Meghan Kraft, Allyson Lee, Jonathan Kraft, Kyla Lee and Leo Kraft. Funeral services are scheduled for Sept 28, 2020 at the Fairfax Chapel at Fort Belvoir (5625 21st St, Fort Belvoir VA 22060). Burial will be conducted at the Arlington National Military Cemetery on Jan 28th, 2021 at 1:00 PM. Please check our website at https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/9317081 for future details concerning the funeral and burial. Arrangements are by Demaine Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Autism Society of America are appreciated. The family of Robert Kraft wishes to extend our sincere thanks to the doctors and staff at the Fort Belvoir Community Hospital, most notably CAPT Bustamante, LtCol Larson and NP Stacey Usher. All of the providers took extremely good care of Robert during the last few years of his life, and we could not have asked for better care providers. Note - Due to COVID social distance requirements, there is limited attendance at the funeral event on 28 September. If you are planning to attend, please RSVP via text to Neal (240) 925-4288, Kevin (917) 312-7594, or Lisa (703) 973-5545.