Thomas Henry Krafft

Birthplace: Salinas, CA Date of Birth: September 14, 1932

Occupation: Real Estate Broker

Survivors: Spouse Sue; Children (Child’s Spouse) Michael Allen Krafft (Lori Lynn), Philip Duane Krafft, Thomas William Krafft (Michelle Lan Lin); Grandchildren Michael John Krafft, Emma Suzanne Fiandt, Daine Michael Rask, Gary Wu, Kenneth Yaochong Wu, Shannon Marie Krafft; Great-grandchildren Parker John Krafft and Rilie Mackenzie Krafft

Predeceased by parents William and Belva Krafft, brother William Krafft and sister Helen Stephens

Born in 1932, Tom was the youngest of three children. His mother was a teacher and Tom had to face her not only at home but in school. She was his 5th grade teacher. After graduating Salinas High School in 1950, he attended Cal Poly at San Luis Obispo earning an Associate of Arts degree before entering the Army in 1952.

After his honorable discharge as Corporal, he worked for a car dealership as car and service salesman then service manager. In 1958, he found his early mechanical skills invaluable in being a business calculator mechanic for Burroughs Corp. In 1964 he determined his experience as a salesman and manager of salesmen gave him the most satisfaction; he then joined Smith Corona Marchant Corp. (SCM) in their Redwood City Branch. He moved quickly from salesman to branch manager. As stated in a press release at the time of his promotion to the Stockton Branch Manager “Tom more than earned his promotion through consistently fine sales performance. He is a credit to the Western Zone and is more than qualified to be a manager.”

After life in Foster City and the San Francisco Bay Area, Stockton was not a good fit for the family. Tom asked his Regional Manager what he had to do to get moved to another branch position. He was told if he brought Stockton from last place to first place in the division in six months or less, the promotion would be his; this goal was accomplished in 4 months. He was then moved to Branch Manager of the Los Angeles Area.

When SCM closed the calculator division, Tom with Sue obtained a real estate license in 1971 and broker’s license in 1973. Krafft Realty was opened in 1973. During his career in real estate he was a member of the Citrus Valley Association of Realtors (Board) Multiple Listing Service (MLS). Tom remained active and was closing one escrow and opening another just days prior to his death. He referred to himself as a “used dirt salesman” whenever asked his occupation.

During his life Tom understood the importance of community involvement and was a member of several Board and MLS committees, multiple administrator and trustee of the political action committee; and during the years 1978 through 1981 served as Director of the Grievance Committee of the Board, Director of the California Association of Realtors, Vice President and ultimately President of the Board.

He was also active in his community as a member of South Hills Rotary Club and a “Paul Harris Fellow”. Community advisor for the police and fire committee and COPE; and a deacon of the Valley Community Walk-In Drive-In Church during his years in the Covina area.