Longtime Babylon Village and Oak Island resident John F. Kraker died April 7, 2009 after a brief illness at the Avon Nursing Facility in Avon, New York. He was 90.

Born in Brooklyn to Joseph and Marie Petchi Kraker, he served in the U.S. Army during World War II as a captain and commander of a reconnaissance squadron mechanized in the 14th armored division. He was awarded a Silver and a Bronze Star.

He had lived on Strong Avenue in Babylon Village for more than 60 years and enjoyed sailing in the Great South Bay in his boat "Dopalong" with his wife, Anita. He moved to Genesco, New York in 2005.

He spent his career importing oils and paint derivatives and was a member of several sailing clubs.

Mr. Kraker leaves behind his siblings: Gerald of Brooklyn and Helen Lindner of Fairfield, Connecticut; many nieces and nephews and his Godson and caretakers, Jim and Peggy Ainsley of York. He was predeceased by his wife Anita Williams Kraker.

A Funeral Mass was held at St. Joseph's R.C. Church in Babylon on April 30, 2009 followed by burial at St. Joseph's Cemetery, Babylon. Arrangements handled by the Rector-Hicks Funeral Home in Geneseo, New York.