Charles Maynard Kraft, Sr.

Charles “Charlie” Maynard Kraft, Sr., aged 89, of Crofton, Maryland, passed away on August 25, 2025. He was born on July 19, 1936, in Baltimore, Maryland.

Charlie is survived by his wife of 68 years, Patricia “Pat” Kraft (née Foley); three children – Terry Monaldi (Lindo), Cindi Johnston (Bob), Chuck Kraft (Nina), and Carl Will (Donna), who was like a son to him; seven grandchildren – Stephanie Remsburg, Jessica Vocke (Rob), Zach Kraft (Stephanie), Kelly Monaldi, Patrick Johnston (Jennifer), Gino Monaldi (Dru), and Andy Johnston; ten great-grandchildren – Brandon (Shannon), Emily (Kaleb), Genna, Ava, Vincent, Abby, Dani, Logan, Aubriella, and Elaina; and one great-great-grandchild, Elias. He is also survived by his twin brother, Ted Kraft, along with a host of extended family and lifelong friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ernest and Mary Kraft, and his two sisters, Mary Gloss and Ruth Goff.

A plumber by trade, Charlie began his family in Hamilton, MD, where he became actively involved in the community as a baseball coach for Hamilton Little League. Passionate about youth sports, he spent nearly every day at Keyes Field — maintaining the grounds, building the concession stand, and shaping young lives. His impact was lasting; many of his former players remain close family friends and still share fond memories, even 50 years later.

In the late 1970s, Charlie and Pat built their dream home on acreage that they found in Woodbine, MD. Charlie loved caring for his land and sharing it with his friends and family, often hosting family cookouts, serving up big pots of crab soup and organizing games of volleyball in the front yard. Over the years, he also raised livestock and grew crops, proudly boasting about the size of his tomatoes.

Always staying busy, he still found time to travel the US and the world with his queen, Pat. Together they visited every state and many countries, traveling as far as New Zealand. He was also an avid hunter who cherished time spent in the woods with friends and family. Many of his infamous captures still adorn his walls.

In recent years, as the land became too much to care for, Charlie and Pat moved in with their daughter in Crofton and became members of First Baptist Church of Crofton. He filled his time by tending to a much smaller garden, baking chocolate chip cookies and eating the dough before it got into the oven, watching baseball and football, bird watching, going to local restaurants – often The Blue Dolphin, and most importantly, spending time with his family. Last year, Charlie and Pat renewed their commitment to each other in the presence of family & friends.

He was an honest, hard-working man who loved fiercely and never minced words — you always knew where you stood with him. He answered to many names: Dad, Grandpop, Uncle Charlie, and Mr. Charlie... but within the family, he was truly a legend, often affectionately called “King Charles.” He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, October 25, 2025, beginning at 12pm at First Baptist Church of Crofton, located at 1690 Crofton Pkwy, Crofton, MD 21114, with some of his favorite foods and refreshments to follow at a separate location. Details to be provided at the church service.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that donations be made in Charlie’s name to the following organizations that meant so much to him:

Arundel VFD Station #7 –This dedicated team was a constant source of support for Charlie and his family. Donations can be made directly by accessing - https://www.arundelfire.com/fund#donate

First Baptist Church of Crofton – Charlie’s faith and church community were central to his life. Contributions in his memory can be made to First Baptist Church of Crofton, 1690 Crofton Pkwy, Crofton, MD 21114

Online condolences www.Burrier-Queen.com.