Edward M. Kraus, 85, a lifelong resident of Narrowsburg, passed away on Tuesday, May 28, 2024 at home surrounded by his family. Ed was the son of the late Edward W. and Rita (Olohan) Kraus. He was born October 27, 1938 in Callicoon, NY.

Ed was a graduate of Narrowsburg Central School, class of 1956. After High School Ed joined the US Navy, he was stationed on the U.S.S. Wasp (CVS-18) aircraft carrier. He was on the aircraft carrier during the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962.  He always carried his “Trusty Shellback” card in his wallet for having crossed the Equator and would share an amusing experience with  King Neptune.

Ed was employed in the past by the Sullivan County Democrat, Steingart Associates, and Rasmussen Furniture. He ran his own print shop up until the last year of his life. He was so proud of his printing presses, his small shop and his completed jobs for numerous customers throughout the Delaware River corridor. He printed many tickets for every fundraiser in the area, booklets for the Marine Corp, raffles, order forms, letterheads and bill heads for many local businesses. Customers would drop off their orders and before they got to the end of the driveway, he was already in his shop beginning the order. 

Ed was a member of St. Francis Xavier RC Church, Narrowsburg, NY. He was a former Tusten Town Board Member, and member of the Narrowsburg Volunteer Fire Dept., and the Lions Club. He was also an avid bowler and loved a good game of ping pong. Ed was a great advocate for the town he loved. He stood up for matters of the town with integrity.  When Ed wasn’t busy with the print shop or taking care of his yard, he enjoyed the simple things in life. Walking daily around town, often spending time by the river lifting his family and friends in prayer, sitting on the bench or in the sun. A family member said: “Ed walked so long that everyone stopped asking him if he needed a ride.” He will truly be missed by all.” A family statement reads: Ed was a loving and caring husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He married the love of his life, they shared so much together. He was so proud of his family. He took special pride in his great- grandchildren. They were the light in his eye.  

Ed is survived by his wife of 59 years: Doreen (Prendergast) Kraus, three children: Cindy Odell and her husband Chip of Honesdale, PA, Susan Jones, Harold Jones IV of Binghamton, NY, Douglas Kraus and Rachel Cudmore of Yellowstone, Wyoming, grandchildren: Brittany Weist and her husband Tyler, Lauren Odell, Harold Jones V and Hannah, Morgan Jones, Megann Jones, and great-grandchildren Levi Weist and Olivia Mae Jones, brother: Michael Kraus and his wife Monica of Ft. Myers, FL, his sisters: Diane Cortese Daly, Debbie Cortese both of Narrowsburg, NY, many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Ed is predeceased by his brother: James Kraus, his step-mother: Dorothy and good friends: Glenn Swendsen and John Hector. 

A memorial visitation will be held on Wednesday, June 5, 2024 from 4pm to 7pm at the Harrison Rasmussen Funeral Home, 3412 SR97, Barryville, NY 12719, 845-557-8010.

  A memorial mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, June 6, 2024 at 11:00am at St. Francis Xavier RC Church, 151 Bridge St., Narrowsburg, NY 12764. Burial will follow in St. Francis Cemetery, Narrowsburg, NY.  Father Wenceslaus Rodrigues will officiate.

Ed’s family would like to thank Hospice of Orange and Sullivan Counties for their care, guidance and support during his final days.

In Lieu of flowers, donations can be made in memory of Edward to: Narrowsburg Volunteer Fire Dept., Hospice of Orange and Sullivan Counties or St. Francis Xavier RC Church.

“Do not go gentle into that good night, old age should burn and rave at close of day; rage, rage against the dying of the light.” - Dylan Thomas.

Arrangements are under the care of the Harrison Rasmussen Funeral Home, 3412 SR 97, Barryville, NY 12719, (845)-557-8010.