Mr. Donald William Schukraft, 67, a resident of Bear Creek Township, passed into eternal life most unexpectedly Thursday evening while doing what he loved…working on one of his trucks at the family home. Born April 25, 1951 in Chester, Delaware County, he was a son to the late Carl Henry and Mary Elizabeth (Mulholland) Schukraft. Educated in the Chester schools, he was a member of the 1969 graduating class of the Sun Valley High School.
Following his formal education, Don worked as a crane operator in marine construction with his brother Carl in Sarasota, Florida. After the family’s relocation to the area some thirty years ago, settling in Bear Creek Township, he worked as a trade electrician with the Local #1319, and held membership in the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers. Don continued his career as a crane operator with the Local #542 of the Operators and Engineers right up to the time of his passing.
In his spare time, he could be found tinkering with his Harley-Davidson motorcycles or his various trucks he shared with the family. He was well-known as a “do-it-yourself” handyman, and would educate himself on fixing and maintaining almost anything. To those who knew and loved him best, he is most remembered for his sense of humor while being a loving husband father and Pop Pop to his family.
His gruff exterior did little to hide his enormous heart of gold, allowing him to assist anyone in need. His greatest joys in this life are his grandsons and pets of whom, will miss him greatly. Don was preceded in death, in addition to his parents, by a sister, Mickey Sutter.
Left to mourn his passing and cherish his memory are his wife of forty-seven years, the former Jeanne Bendick Schukraft, at home. The couple’s only daughter, Wendy Schukraft and her companion, Joseph Gould of Bear Creek; Grandsons, and his pride and joy, Paul Tyler, Bailey Alexander and Jacob Hunter; Brother, Carl Schukraft of Sarasota, FL; Sisters, Bernadette Wright and Rosemary Martin of Aston, PA; Rena Prior of Sarasota, FL; Several nieces, nephews, in-laws, cousins, dear friends and his beloved dogs, Roofus and Beavis. Memorial funeral services for Don will be conducted on Wednesday, December 5 at 6:30 p.m. from the North Wilkes-Barre location of the John V. Morris Family Funeral Homes Inc., 625 North Main Street.
The Reverend Joseph A. Gandia, his pastor at Beaumont Free Methodist Church, Buck Township, will serve as celebrant and leader of worship. Interment will be private and at the convenience of Don’s family. Relatives and friends may call on Wednesday evening from 5:00 p.m. until the time of services.
In lieu of floral tributes, Don’s family would be humbled if those wishing to make a monetary donation in his memory, kindly consider Candy’s Place, 190 Welles Street #120, Forty-Fort, PA 18704.
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