Ilion: Mr. Edward J. Kraft, 81, of McGowan Road, town of Frankfort, passed away peacefully at home on Monday, December 2, 2013. Ed was born on August 21, 1932 in Fort Plain, a son of the late William D. and Blanch M. (Goodrich) Kraft. He was a lifelong area resident and graduated from Fort Plain High School, Class of 1949. From this humble beginning, he became a self-employed businessman, operating the E.J. Kraft Company of Ilion. His passion in life was playing golf and he also was an avid bowler. On December 5, 1953, Ed married the former Elizabeth "Betty" Cunningham in St. Patrick's Church, St. Johnsville. The two of them shared a loving and devoted union of nearly 58 years, until her passing on October 23, 2011. Mr. Kraft was a veteran of the United States Army from 1953-54 and the Korean War. He was a member of the Ilion Post 920 American Legion, VFW 502 Men's Auxiliary Frankfort/Ilion, the Ilion Elks, and St. Johnsville Masonic Lodge No. 611. Ed leaves behind two sons: Harry Kraft of Ilion and Dan and his wife Shirley of Gloversville; a daughter: Linda Willoughby and her husband Robert of Ilion; grandchildren: Zebulon and Jesse Willoughby; a brother: Lowell Kraft of Sonora, CA; a half-sister: Martha Lamanna of St. Johnsville; a very special friend: Sandy Salatino of Herkimer; along with many in-laws, nieces, nephews, and cousins. His wife, Betty; daughter, Veronica Kraft; son, Charles Kraft; and brother, William Kraft predeceased him. Relatives and friends are invited to pay their respects on Thursday evening, December 5, 2013 from 5:00 until 7:00 PM at the Enea Family Funeral Home, 4309 Acme Road, Ilion (town of Frankfort). The following groups will gather at the funeral home to offer ritualistic services: VFW 502 Men's Auxiliary Frankfort/Ilion at 5:30 PM, Ilion Post 920 American Legion at 6:00 PM, and Ilion Elks at 6:45 PM. Edward's funeral service will be held at the funeral home on Friday, December 6, 2013 at 10:00 AM and will be conducted by the St. Johnsville Masonic Lodge No. 611. Burial will immediately follow in Armory Hill Cemetery, Ilion. Ed's family would like to thank the staff of Hospice and Palliative Care for the compassionate care they gave him during his illness. Those wishing may make a donation in his memory to them at 4277 Middle Settlement Road, New Hartford, NY, 13413. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home. Kevin and Harry Enea and Donald J. Applegate, Funeral Directors, Enea Family Funeral Home, are serving the family. To add to his online memorials, please visit our website at www.eneafamily.com.