Obituary of Francis Patrick Kratina

Mr. Francis P. Kratina, of Florham Park, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, March 28, 2017 at St. Joseph's Hospital in Wayne. He was 85. Francis was born and raised in Queens, NY. He then lived most of his life in Long Island where he and his wife raised their family, the two moved to Wilmington, NC after their retirement. Francis moved to Florham Park three years ago to be closer to his family. He ​was a proud US Marine, serving honorably in the Korean War. After the war, his last post was served in Cuba. Francis ​was a graduate of the Pratt Institute of Architecture and was employed as an architect for the New York MTA. He was ​instrumental in the development of both the Tappan Zee and Verrazano bridges and he ​also designed the telescope observatory off of Jones Beach, NY. Francis was a member of the Freeport Historical Society in Long Island and served on the Board of Directors for the Sentry Oaks Community in Wilmington, NC. He also enjoyed fishing and boating with his family. Francis is predeceased by his beloved wife, Margaret E. Kratina (nee Carter) and his brother, Tom. He leaves behind three sons, Joseph Kratina of Long Island, William Kratina of Long Island and his wife Barbara, and James Kratina of Long Island; two daughters, Susan Kratina of Chatham Township and her husband Rajiv, and Mary Sommer of Long Island and her husband Dan; one sister, June Miner of Florida and New Jersey, and seven grandchildren. A funeral service will be held on Friday, March 31, 2017 at 6:00PM at the Madison Memorial Home, 159 Main Street, Madison. Relatives and friends are invited to attend the visitation the same evening from 5:00PM to 8:00PM at the funeral home. To share a memory, photo, or write an online condolence to Francis' family please visit www.madisonmemorialhome.com