Christ Gust Kraras, a lifelong presence in the Reading community whose work and service touched nearly every corner of Berks County, passed away peacefully on March 23, 2026, at the age of 79, surrounded by his family.
He was born and raised in Reading, the son of Gust C. and Stella (Dialectos) Kraras, and grew up in a close-knit environment that shaped much of who he would become. As a young man, he was part of the “13th Street Gang,” a group of neighborhood friends that remained a lasting source of connection throughout his life.
His early years were closely tied to his family’s work at the College Inn, a restaurant across from Albright College. It was there, alongside his parents and sisters, that he learned to cook and developed a lasting passion for hospitality. Summers brought a similar rhythm, with the family relocating to Wildwood, New Jersey, to run the restaurant at the Lorraine Hotel.
Sports were another constant. At Reading High School, he played basketball under coach Pete Carril and later earned MVP recognition in a national tournament while playing for the JCC. He continued his basketball career at Albright College, where he also pursued his academic path, earning a degree in History and Political Science. He later completed a Master of Education at Kutztown University.
He began his professional life in the classroom, teaching at Daniel Boone High School. Not long after, he stepped into the family business and went on to build White Star Tours into a defining part of his career. For more than 45 years, he served as President and CEO, later transitioning to Chairman of the Board.
His work extended far beyond a single company. Over the years, he was involved in a wide range of ventures across several states, including 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.
Yet his presence was felt just as strongly through his civic and community involvement. He held leadership roles with Berks Encore, the United Way of Berks County, and Centro Hispano Daniel Torres, and served on the boards of institutions including Albright College, Alvernia University, Reading Hospital, and several regional banks and foundations.
He also volunteered as a coach with the Van Reed Athletic Association and remained active in local organizations throughout his life. His involvement reflected a consistent commitment to the place he called home.
Within the Greek-American community, his connection to Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church was central to his life. Over more than four decades, he served in nearly every capacity, including Parish Council member and president, Sunday School director and teacher, GOYA basketball coach, choir member, and a familiar presence in the church kitchen.
He chaired the annual Greek Food Festival for many years and played a key role in building and renovation efforts, including the church’s iconography and stained glass projects. In recognition of his lifelong service, he was named an Archon of the Greek Orthodox Church.
His contributions were widely recognized over the years, with honors from local and regional organizations that reflected both his professional achievements and his community work. Among them were induction into the Junior Achievement of Greater Reading & Lehigh Valley Business Hall of Fame in 2011, the Eugene Shirk Community Builder Award in 2013, and the Thun Award for Community Leadership in 2016, along with many others.
At Albright College, his connection was formalized with a dormitory bearing his name and a place on the school’s Founders Wall. He was also honored as an Emeritus Trustee at both Alvernia University and Albright College.
In 1968, he married Ann B. Kraras, and together they built a life that spanned more than 55 years. She passed away in 2024.
Those closest to him remember a man who stayed deeply present in family life. Known to his grandchildren as “Pappou,” he made it a point to be there for their games, performances, and milestones.
He is survived by his son, Dean Kraras, and his wife, Jen, and his daughter, Marisa Hunsicker, and her husband, Scott, along with seven grandchildren. He is also survived by his sisters, Angel Cammarano and Patricia “Tula” Donahue, and a large extended family.
Services were held on Sunday, March 29, and Monday, March 30, at Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church in Reading, followed by burial at Charles Evans Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that contributions be made to the church in his memory.