Lewis S. Kraft ’44

One of '44's very special people was Lew Kraft who died of a stroke July 6, 1995, at Princeton Medical Center.

Lew came to us from Horace Mann School. He roomed with Reg Bishop and majored in politics. A member of Dial Lodge and soccer manager-elect, he was Phi Beta Kappa. He left for Army service in 1943 to become a forward observer in artillery spotter planes in Europe.

Lew spent most of his career in residential development in and around Princeton and, for many years, ran Longridge Builders. Loyal to Princeton and to '44, Lew chaired our Lederhosen 10th, cochaired the 25th, was class president 1974-79, and served on the Alumni Council. After retirement, he worked in the Univ. Athletic Public Relations Dept., and volunteered at the North Princeton Development Center and Carrier Clinic.

Despite his 20-year battle with multiple sclerosis, Lew was an inspiration through his gentleness, thoughtfulness, cheerfulness, and ever-welcoming smile, notwithstanding his wheelchair entrapment for the last five years. Nonetheless, he continued his involvement in the MS Society, in local organizations, as well as the '44 reunion and executive committee meetings.

To his wife, Eve, his sons, Kenneth and Robert, and his four grandchildren, we extend our sympathy, and we share your loss. We will be sustained by Lew's remarkable and unique spirit.

The Class of 1944