Robert Charles Kratofil

AUSTINTOWN - Robert Charles Kratofil, 88, died on February 17, 2025, at Adventura at Humility House, where he resided for a brief three days. 

He was born on July 11, 1936, in New Castle, Pennsylvania, a son of Sylvester Kratofil and Mary (Klishko) Kratofil Allen. 

Robert graduated from New Castle Union High School and then worked many years as a steel worker and supervisor at Youngstown Sheet and Tube. After retiring, he took on a new venture as the owner of a locksmith business, Classic Lock & Key.

Robert found great happiness in the great outdoors, especially while hunting and riding bikes with his son. His love for animals was evident in his adoration for his dogs. Gardening was another passion of his and he took pride in growing the most delicious tomatoes. 

Robert is survived by his wife, Ida J. (Brownlee) Kratofil whom he married on December 15, 1984; daughter, Kathy Lynn (Ed) Gill, of Hubbard; son, Keith Robert (Lori) Kratofil, of Tallahasse, FL; step-daughter, Patricia (Bob) Hartsough, of Austintown; step-son, Bill (Anita) Koch, of Austintown; brother, Raymond (Mary) Kratofil, of Marianna, FL; grandchildren, Brittany Kraynak, Matty and Taylor Kratofil; great-granddaughters, Kailyn Kocher and Mariah (Kevin Weider) Johnson; great-great grandchildren, George and Eleanor Weider; also grandchildren, Raymond (Sarah) Hartsough, Tom (Amy) Hartsough, and Paula (Jake) Mims; and great-grandson, Alex Hartsough. 

In addition to his parents, Robert was preceded in death by his brothers, Richard and Ronald Kratofil; and step-daughter, Paula Jo Koch. 

A funeral service will be celebrated on Friday, February 21, 2025, at 12:00 PM at Higgins-Reardon Funeral Homes, Austintown Chapel, 4303 Mahoning Ave., officiated by Dr. Rev. Marc Shefelton. Calling hours will be held one hour prior to service beginning at 11am. 

This obituary can be viewed and condolences can be sent to the family by visiting www.higgins-reardon.com.