Stephen Clifford Kratts: United States Navy
Stephen Clifford Kratts, 74, of the Wellsville Manor Hills,
and a former Cuba resident passed away on Friday, February 14, 2025.
Born on December 12, 1950, in Cuba, he was the son of
Clifford Lewis Kratts and Rosanne Wilson Rogers.
Steve grew up in Cuba, New York and graduated from Cuba
Central School in 1970. While in high
school he joined the United States Navy inactive reserve and went active duty
on July 13, 1970 and was honorably discharged on October 26, 1986.
After recruit training, he was assigned to the USS Epperson
serving in Pearl Harbor for two Pacific Cruises with an eleven-month service in
the waters of Vietnam, in which he helped supply Naval Gunfire Support and
Currier Escort Services. He also served in Keflavic Iceland and the Persian
Gulf during the Iran Hostage Crisis.
He was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam
Service Ribbon, Vietnam Campaign, Combat Action, and Sea Service Deployment
Ribbons, Meritorious Unit Commendation, NAVY unit Commendation, Navy
Expeditionary Medal, and Three Good Conduct Medals for his service.
Steve received his Associates Degree in Applied Science from
Alfred State College.
From 1988-1992 he had worked for Current Controls in
Wellsville. He was a free-lance writer for the Cuba Patriot covering local
events from 1994-2010 and also delivered papers. He also served as a Crossing
Guard from 1994-2010 and volunteered at the Cuba Senior Citizens site.
He was a member and held various offices in the Cuba VFW
Post 2721, Cuba American Legion Post 655, Friendship American Legion Post 1168,
AmVets Post 1 of Cuba, Allegany County American Legion, Allegany County
Veterans Organization, Cuba Grange 799, and Allegany County Pomona Grange.
He is survived by a son-in-law, Phil Hendon; 3 Grandchildren,
Phil Dyne Hendon, Lilith Marie Hendon and Jon Thomas Hendon VI; his siblings Lewis
(Joyce) Kratts of Cuba, William (Julie) Kratts of Kentucky, Mary Kalita of Tennessee,
Christine Anne Kratts of Cuba and Mark V. Kratts of Olean; Several Nieces and
Nephews and Special Friend Susan Denley.
In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by a daughter
Theresa Hendon. The family will receive friends at the Mark F. Rinker Funeral
Home & Memorial Service, Inc. 9 Bull Street, Cuba, on Thursday, February
20, 2025 from 10:00 A.M. until Noon. A
Funeral Service will immediately follow at Noon. Branch President Daniel Howe, will officiate.
Burial will be in Pleasant Valley Cemetery, Olean, New York. Online condolences
may be sent at www.rinkerfuneralhome.com.
Memorials may be made to a Veterans Organization of the donor’s choice.
