In Memoriam: Christ G. Kraras

Christ Gust Kraras, 79, of Wyomissing, passed away peacefully on March 23, 2026, at Reading Hospital, surrounded by his loving family.

Born in Reading, he was the son of the late Gust C. and Stella G. (Dialectos) Kraras. He was predeceased by his beloved wife, Ann B. Kraras, in 2024.

Christ grew up in Reading and was a proud member of the "13th Street Gang." In his youth, he worked with his family at the College Inn at 14th & Union Streets across from Albright College. He had very fond memories of being with his parents and sisters as they ran the restaurant. Christ became a chef at a very young age. This is where he learned to cook so well, which turned into a passion of his. In the summers, Christ would go with his family to the Lorraine Hotel in Wildwood, NJ, to run the restaurant with his family. 

Christ was also very interested in sports. He played basketball at Reading High School under legendary coach Pete Carril and later played for the JCC, where he was named MVP in a national tournament. He later continued his basketball career at Albright College.

Christ graduated from Reading High School and received his Bachelor's Degree in History and Political Science from Albright College and his Master of Education in Political Science from Kutztown University. He began his professional career as a teacher at Daniel Boone High School before founding his own family business, White Stars Tours. 

He served as President & CEO at White Star Tours for over 45 years before becoming Chairman of the Board within the last few years. Christ also served as the president of several building and development ventures in Pennsylvania and New Jersey and held ownership in several restaurants and hotels in New Jersey, a publishing company in Florida, a baseball team in South Carolina, a machine fabrication company in Pennsylvania, and a gymnastics apparel company in Reading.

In addition to his expansive professional career, Christ was a member of numerous organizations within his community. He served as Chairman of the Board for Berks Encore, United Way of Berks County, and Centro Hispano Daniel Torres. He also served on the boards of Reading Education Foundation, Fulton Bank, Alvernia University, Albright Board of Trustees, Penn National Bank, Reading Hospital, Go Greater Reading, American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association (AHEPA), Caron Foundation, Olivet Boys & Girls Club, Reading Berks Council of Churches, Berks Arts Council, Village of College Heights Task Force, and Experience Reading & Berks County (formerly the Visitor's Bureau). He volunteered as a coach with the Van Reed Athletic Association in the 1980s and was a current member of the Berkshire Country Club and Maidencreek Fishpond.

In 2010, Christ, along with his father, Gust, and George Giovanis, was instrumental in revitalizing the Reading AHEPA Chapter No 61, which has raised thousands of dollars for Saints Constantine & Helen Greek Orthodox Church and for youth scholarships. In 2025, Christ was awarded the AHEPA Medal of Heroes, a prestigious honor awarded by the Order of AHEPA to recognize community leaders for extraordinary service and dedication. The Heroes Award honors those who exemplify the organization's values of philanthropy, civic duty and the protection of Hellenic ideals.

Christ, a devout servant of his faith, was heavily involved in Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church, where he served as Parish Council Board member for over 45 years, as President for multiple years, Chairman of the annual Greek Food Festival for many years, Sunday School Director, Sunday School Teacher, GOYA Basketball Coach, a member of the Choir, and a longtime member of the Cooking Crew. He was also on the Capital Campaign Committee, the Building Committee, and led the current Iconography & Stained Glass renovation projects. He was ordained as an Archon in the Greek Orthodox Church to honor him for his lifetime of service and devotion to his Greek Orthodox faith.

Christ was well-recognized for his service to his community. He was inducted to the Junior Achievement of Greater Reading & Lehigh Valley Business Hall of Fame in 2011, he received the 2013 Eugene Shirk Community Builder Award, the Spirit of Reading Award from the Salvation Army in 2014, the 2014 Sydney D. Kline Jr. Award for Community Service from the Law Foundation of Berks County/Pennsylvania Institute of Certified Public Accountants, the 2016 Thun Award for Community Leadership, the 2019 Richard J. Caron Award of Excellence from the Caron Foundation, the 2024 Centro Hispano Daniel Torres Amigo Award, the 2025 Tower Health Legacy of Health Partnership Award, the Berks Encore Leadership by Example Award, the United Way Wilbur H. Duran Award, the Albright College Jacob Albright Award, the Boy Scouts of America Spirit of Scouting Award, and the AFP Berks Regional Chapter Outstanding Philanthropist Award. He received distinguished alumni awards from Northeast Middle School, Reading High School, and Albright College. Christ was also added to The Founders Wall and has a dorm dedicated in his name at Albright College. He was honored as an Emeritus Trustee at Alvernia University and Albright College.

Christ married the love of his life, Ann B. Kraras, on December 29, 1968. They shared over 55 wonderful years together.

Christ is survived by his son, Dean (Jen) Kraras, his daughter, Marisa (Scott) Hunsicker, his seven grandchildren: Mackenzie, Peyton, Christopher, and Delaney Kraras; and Tommy, Christo, and Gram Hunsicker; his two sisters, Angel (Mauro) Cammarano and Patricia "Tula" (Bernie) Donahue, as well as his large, devoted family.

Christ will forever be remembered for putting God and family above everything in his life. "Pappou" never missed any event his children or grandchildren took part in, and his family will be forever grateful.

A visitation will be held Sunday, March 29, 2026, from 3:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church, 1001 East Wyomissing Blvd., Reading, PA 19611. A visitation will also be held on Monday, March 30, 2026, from 9:00 to 11:00 AM at the church. A service will follow beginning at 11:00 AM. Burial will take place at Charles Evans Cemetery at the conclusion of the service. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Saints Constantine and Helen Church at the above address. Edward J. Kuhn Funeral Home is honored to serve the Kraras family. Condolences may be expressed at kuhnfuneralhomes.com.

In Memoriam: Stratton 'Strat' Marmarou

Stratton Peter Marmarou, 92, of Reading, passed away on February 19, 2026, at Tower Health/Reading Hospital.

He was the beloved husband of the late JoAnne (Reiniger) Marmarou, whom he married on October 15, 1965. She preceded him in death in 2020.

Born on March 5, 1933, in Reading, PA, he was the son of the late Peter and Mary (Vaparellis) Marmarou.

Stratton was a 1950 graduate of Reading High School and later earned his associate's degree from Reading Area Community College.

A faithful and active member of Sts. Constantine & Helen Greek Orthodox Church, he served on the church's Parish Council for 30 years and remained devoted to his faith throughout his life.

Stratton was a 50-year-member of the Order of AHEPA (American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association) and a past president of AHEPA Chapter No. 61 in Reading.

Stratton proudly served his country as a United States Army veteran of the Korean Conflict.

He began his working career in the bakery and vegetable departments at Mohican Market in Reading and later worked on his father's ice cream truck, "Crystal Ice Cream," the first of its kind in Reading. He went on to serve as Security Director for Pomeroy's Department Store in Reading.

Stratton's longest and most distinguished career was with the Reading Police Department, where he served for 23 years as a police detective before retiring in 1977. During his tenure, he established the department's first juvenile unit. Following retirement, he worked as a special investigator for the Pennsylvania Auditor General's Office.

From 1980 to 2000, Stratton served as Head of Security at Albright College, dedicating 20 years to the institution.

He was the founder and past president of the Reading Police Beneficial Association and served as a trustee for the City of Reading Fraternal Order of Police. Deeply committed to youth and community service, Stratton founded Reading American Little League and was a longtime volunteer and former director of the Police Athletic League (P.A.L.). He also served as former president of the church council at St. Matthew's Greek Church.

Stratton was actively involved in local government, serving as a member of the Reading School Board and as Reading City Councilman for District 4 for three terms (12 years). During his time on council, he oversaw the construction of the 9th and Marion Fire Station and served on the City of Reading Stadium Commission.

An avid sports enthusiast, Stratton umpired baseball and softball in Berks County for 30 years and coached Little League baseball for many seasons.

Above all, Stratton cherished time spent with his family and fondly enjoyed trips with his wife to the Atlantic City casinos.

He is survived by two children: Stephanie Marmarou and Peter Marmarou, both of Reading.

Stratton was the proud "Papou" to his grandson, Anthony, husband of Kelsey (Farmer) Marmarou and their daughter, Eleni Jo Marmarou.

Stratton is also survived by a nephew, Steven, husband of Beth (Raquet) Reiniger and their children, Rachel and David.

He is survived by several other cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Statton was predeceased by his siblings: George, John, Esther Kovras, Evriklia "Eva" Koutalalis, and Christ.

Funeral Services will be held Tuesday, February 24, 2026, at 12 noon in Sts. Constantine and Helen Church, 1001 E Wyomissing Blvd., Reading, PA 19611 with a viewing held from 10 am until time of services, in the Church.

Burial will be in Charles Evans Cemetery, Reading.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Church at the above address or to Berks Catholic High School, 955 E. Wyomissing Blvd., Reading, PA 19611.

Stitzel Family Funeral Homes & Crematory, Inc., Laureldale is in charge of arrangements. For online condolences visit www.StitzelFamilyFuneralHomes.com