Robert J. Kraemer, Sr., of Wright Street, Adams, NY, passed away May 21, 2017 at his home surrounded by his family.
Mr. Kraemer was born July 16, 1925 in Watertown, son of Joseph J. and Vera Mae McDermott Kraemer. He attended Sacred Heart and Watertown High Schools. At the age of seventeen he enlisted in the Reserves, before entering the Unites States Navy. He served 26 years, during World War II, and both, Korean and Vietnam Wars. He was honorably discharged as Chief Engineman in June of 1968. Mr. Kraemer was a letter carrier for the US Postal Service for 12 years retiring in 1980. He was also a rural delivery carrier for the Watertown Daily Times in Southern Jefferson County.
On May 17, 1947, he married Betty Mae Hanson at the Wedding Bell Chapel in San Diego, CA. The couple renewed their vows at St. Cecilia’s Church in Adams, NY in 1957. The couple celebrated 65 years of marriage. Mrs. Kraemer passed in November of 2012.
Surviving are two sons, Robert J. Jr., Nashville, TN, Richard J. and Sparrow, Gettysburg, PA, four daughters, Linda Colburn, Boston, MA, Patricia Kraemer, Watertown, NY, Kathleen Kraemer, Nashville TN, and Elizabeth and Richard Ryder, Adams, NY, four grandchildren, three great grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister Mary E. Hastings, Carthage, NY.
Mr. Kraemer was a member of Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Church in Watertown and St. Cecilia’s in Adams. He was a third-generation Eagles FOE member, a life member of the Northside Improvement League, South Jefferson VFW Post 5344, and American Legion Post 586 in Adams, NY. In retirement, he volunteered many years as a driver for Meals on Wheels and enjoyed delivering Christmas dinners for South Jefferson Chamber of Commerce. He was an avid bowler on numerous leagues at Adams Bowling Club and South Jeff Lanes. He enjoyed gardening, completing NY Times crossword puzzles, traveling, collecting stamps and coins, reading and spending time with his grandchildren and great grandchildren.
The family wishes to express their gratitude for the compassionate care provided to their father by home health aides, Stephanie, Cassandra, Christine, and Caitlin throughout his final months.
Calling hours will be Tuesday from 4 to7 pm at the D.L. Calarco Funeral Home. A prayer service will be held at 11am Wednesday May 24th at the funeral home with Reverend Jonas Tandayu officiating. Burial with full military honors will be held at Calvary Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to VFW Post 5344 or to the American Legion Post 586, both in Adams, NY. Condolences may be made to www.dlcalarco.com.