Bernard Francis Kratz, of Marlton, NJ, passed away peacefully on July 30, 2026 at 91 years of age. The youngest of seven children, Bernie was born in Wilkes-Barre, PA on September 25, 1934 to Fred and Julia Kratz and grew up in the Fairview section of Camden, NJ.

Bernie fondly remembered being doted on by his older siblings, Edward, Adeline, Dorothy, Geraldine, and Martha, and best friend and brother, Francis. He graduated from Camden County Vocational School as Valedictorian and was a member of the varsity track team. He began a career as a plumber before he was drafted into the Army in 1957. During his time in the service, Bernie was recognized for his detail oriented problem solving skills and was trained in code-breaking and early computer systems. After leaving the Army, he started a career in the computer industry. While the name on the building changed several times from Univac, Sperry, Burroughs, and Unisys, he essentially worked at the same organization for almost 40 years. The friendships he made at work were among his most cherished relationships.

He met the love of his life, Donata Maria Fugaro, whom he affectionately called "Dee," and married on May 28,1966. Together they built a life centered on faith, family, and love, celebrating their 60th anniversary this year. They raised four children in Marlton, NJ.

Bernie had a curious mind and an interest in learning and building. Nothing left the house until it made a cycle to the workshop where it would be disassembled, fixed, and given new life. His children poked fun at his methodical nature, but they all learned the importance of proper maintenance, how to use tools, and where they all go when the job is complete. A favorite saying was, "I have this problem I'm working on," as he shared his latest project and considered his plan. He loved nothing more than when it required buying a new tool, and if the children were lucky, they were allowed to assist by holding the flashlight. He enjoyed challenging himself with projects and hobbies his entire life including photography, movie making, golf, building electronic circuits, working with first generation personal computers, woodworking, automotive repair, and later in life keeping healthy by logging his daily walks on Strava. A seemingly quiet man, he enjoyed meeting new people and sharing new ideas, especially with his family.

Bernie is survived by his loving wife, Donata; four children, Bruce (Lynn), Andrew (Laura), Michele McKeon (Neil), and Gregory (Katie); fourteen grandchildren, Emily (Patrick), Megan, Matthew, Ava, Aidan, Luke, Ella, Caroline, Katherine, Evan, Bryan, Aaliyah, Carter, and Jade; and his first great grandchild, Quinley.

Family and friends are invited to attend a visitation at Bocco Funeral Home, 1300 North Kings Highway, Cherry Hill, NJ 08034, on Wednesday evening, August 5, 2026 from 7:00PM to 9:00PM. A second visitation will be held on Thursday morning, August 6th from 10:00AM to 10:45AM at St. Joan of Arc Church 100 Willow Bend Road Marlton, NJ 08053. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 11:00AM Thursday in Church. Private interment.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Bernard's memory to one of his favorite charities, Tunnel to Towers Foundation https://dogood.t2t.org/campaign/in-memory-of-bernard-f-kratz/c828781 or St. Joan of Arc Church 100 Willow Bend Road Marlton, NJ 08053.

The Church will be live streaming the Funeral Mass at 11:00AM on Thursday morning and can be found here: https://boxcast.tv/view/bernard-francis-kratz-funeral-mass-ehuvy6whjm1kjjk8k7yh?_gl=1*ig8r9a*_gcl_au*ODQxMjM4Mzg3LjE3ODE1MzIxMjEuMTM4OTA5NDEwNy4xNzg1OTIyOTQ4LjE3ODU5MjMwNjcuMjEwMjQ1NjQyOS4xNzg1OTIyOTQ4LjE3ODU5MjMwNjc.*_ga*MTMwMTk3MTM3Ni4xNjY2NzAyMDE5*_ga_PXBBF7HVWQ*czE3ODU5MjI5NDgkbzc1MyRnMSR0MTc4NTkyMzA2NiRqNTgkbDAkaDA