Jack Krauss Obituary
D. Jack Krauss was born on September 3, 1947 in a speeding 1941 Plymouth on the way to the hospital. He was born unresponsive with the umbilical cord around his neck until his mother unwrapped it and breathed life back in to him.
Known as “Jack” he grew up in Norwood Pennsylvania and later moved to Gradyville Pennsylvania where, due to his high energy, really thrived living and working on a farm. There he and his father, mother, two sisters and one brother raised horses, pigs, chickens, and grew their own produce and hay.
Due to his country exposure he became a Jack of all trades. He became skilled and knowledgeable in mechanics, construction, electrical, horse shoeing, blacksmithing and drafting just to name a few. He used these skills to help and teach others as well as himself professionally. He took an apprenticeship for horseshoeing and blacksmithing where he became very accomplished and started his own business. He and his father also started a trucking company hauling freight together.
After graduating Penncrest High School, he joined the merchant marines, a civilian auxiliary of the U.S. Navy, during the Vietnam era where he traveled all over the world. When he returned home he married Margaret Burns and had his first son Charles Jacob Krauss. He then moved back to Gradyville, Pennsylvania where he second son, Thomas Erich Krauss, was born. He worked for Matlack trucking company and then became a police officer for the County of Delaware. In December 1987, he lost his father. He promised to stay and help his mother on the farm for the remainder of her days.
He found a new love in his life and soul mate Cindy Brillman of Radnor Pennsylvania who had three sons of her own, two of which he unofficially adopted, Scott Brillman and Daniel Brillman. He became a huge part of Cindy and her boys lives for over thirty years taking her boys under his wing as his own.
He was a man of great faith. He was a member of Gradyville United Methodist church since childhood. He was a board member and treasurer up to his death. Jack also practiced many Native American beliefs and was trained as a novice shaman. He shared his deep belief in God’s plan with others in times of trouble. He used his faith to comfort others in their times of adversity. Never did his faith waiver.
Jack was so much to so many people. He was there for anyone who needed him. He was a mentor, teacher, guide, and confidant. In times of emergency, he would drop everything he was doing to give assistance to anyone who needed it. He continually put others needs above his own.
He was involved in multiple organizations like the non-profit group, Fightback for Autism with his life partner Cindy Brillman. He served as the treasurer and board member at Gradyville United Methodist Church. He was a member of the Fraternal Order of Police as well as served as a Major in the Pharoahs car club.
D. Jack Krauss died August 1, 2019 at Bryn Mawr Hospital with his family by his side. He was 71. He was preceded in death by his parents, Jacob “Bud” and Lena C. Krauss, and currently has two surviving sisters, Carol Marvel from Kennett Square, and Diane Schaffer (Bruce) from Ridley, one brother Robert Krauss (Elaine) of East Fallowfield, and numerous nieces and nephews.
He is survived by his life partner, Cindy Brillman of Radnor, two sons, Charles Krauss (Kimberly) of Glen Mills, Thomas Krauss (Jennifer) of Downingtown, two stepsons, Scott Brillman of Baltimore Maryland & Daniel Brillman (Elizabeth) of New Jersey, and three Grandsons, Erich, Darren & Garret.
Friends and Family are invited to celebrate Jack's life with us on Sunday August 11, 2019 at Gradyville Methodist Church (1222 PA-352, Glen Mills, PA 19039). Viewing will begin at 12 PM EST and the service at 1 PM EST. At the service, all are welcome to tell stories about their experiences with Jack.
After the service, our family will be hosting for food and drinks at La Locanda (4989 West Chester Pike, Newtown Square, PA 19073).
At Jack's request, please send all donations to Gradyville Methodist Church via this link: Donate to Gradyville Methodist Church or mail to P.O Box 101 Gradyville, PA 19039
Copy and Paste or click on this alternate link below to donate to Gradyville United Methodist Church.
Arrangements: Rigby Harting & Hagan Funeral Home
15 E. Fourth St. Media, PA 19063
http://www.haganfuneralhome.com
