Paul Edward Kraft

Paul Edward Kraft, 97, a retired Naval Engineer, died May 25th, 2008 at his home in Chesapeake Beach, MD after a brief illness.Mr. Kraft was born June 14th, 1910 in Washington, DC and graduated from McKinley Tech High School in Washington, DC. He began working as a plasterer with his father and later went to work for the Navy Department as a draftsman. He attended college at night. While with the Navy, he designed optics used in periscopes, gun sights and binoculars to detect Kamikaze pilots during World War II.In 1933, he married Margaret Fowler, who worked as a bookkeeper. Together, they engaged in many extra business endeavors, including real estate development and home building.After retiring from the Navy, Mr. Kraft went to work for WestCo Engineering doing design work for the space program. He later worked for the state of Maryland as a building inspector. He finally retired for good in 1960 and moved to his weekend cottage at the Willows near Chesapeake Beach, MD. He was an avid fisherman and wood worker and became a member of the Sons of the American Revolution. He attained a guild rank of Master Wood carver and was named a volunteer emeritus at the Calvert Marine Museum where he carved for many years. In his spare time, he also built dollhouses with his wife, which they donated to various charitable organizations.Survivors include his devoted wife, Margaret of 74 years; his loving daughter and son-in-law, Joanne and Albert Conte of Alexandria, VA; his 4 grandchildren Albert Conte, Jr. of Centreville VA, Lorraine Bell of Windermere, FL, Susan Love and Carolyn Maddox both of Alexandria, VA and 13 great-grandchildren. Family will receive friends at the LEE FUNERAL HOME CALVERT, P.A., 8125 Southern Maryland Blvd. (Rte 4 & Fowler Rd.) Owings, MD on Wednesday, May 28 from 2 to 4 pm & 6 to 8 pm. Service will be held at St. Pauls Episcopal Church, 25 Church St. Prince Frederick, MD on Thursday, May 29 at 11 am. Interment to follow at Cedar Hill Cemetery, Suitland, MD. In lieu of flowers, memorial maybe made to Calvert Hospice, P.O. Box 838 Prince Frederick, MD 20678. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Paul Edward Kraft please visit our Sympathy Store.