Christ Gust Kraras, 79, of Wyomissing passed away peacefully on March 23, 2026, at the Reading Hospital, surrounded by his loving family.

Born in Reading, he was the son of the late Gust C. and Stella G. (Dialectos) Kraras. He was predeceased by his beloved wife, Ann B. Kraras, in 2024.

Christ grew up in Reading and was a proud member of the “13th Street Gang.” In his youth, he worked with his family at the College Inn at 14th & Union Streets across from Albright College. He had very fond memories of being with his parents and sisters as they ran the restaurant. Christ became a chef at a very young age. This is where he learned to cook so well, which turned into a passion of his. In the summers, Christ would go with his family to the Lorraine Hotel in Wildwood, NJ to run the restaurant along with his family. Christ was also very interested in sports. He played basketball at Reading High School under legendary coach Pete Carril and later played for the JCC, where he was named MVP in a national tournament. He later continued his basketball career at Albright College.

Christ graduated from Reading High School and received his Bachelor’s Degree in History and Political Science from Albright College and his Master of Education in Political Science from Kutztown University. He began his professional career as a teacher at Daniel Boone High School, before founding his own family business, White Stars Tours. He served as President & CEO at White Star Tours for over 45 years, before becoming Chairman of the Board within the last few years. Christ also served as the president of several building and development ventures in Pennsylvania and New Jersey and held ownership in several 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.

In addition to his expansive professional career, Christ was a member of numerous organizations within his community. He served as Chairman of the Board for Berks Encore, United Way of Berks County, and Centro Hispano Daniel Torres. He also served on the boards of Reading Education Foundation, Fulton Bank, Alvernia University, Albright Board of Trustees, Penn National Bank, Reading Hospital, Go Greater Reading, American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association (AHEPA), Caron Foundation, Olivet Boys & Girls Club, Reading Berks Council of Churches, Berks Arts Council, Village of College Heights Task Force, and Experience Reading & Berks County (formerly the Visitor’s Bureau). He volunteered as a coach with the Van Reed Athletic Association in the 1980s and was a current member of the Berkshire Country Club and Maidencreek Fishpond.

Christ, a devout servant of his faith, was heavily involved in Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church, where he served as Parish Council Board member for over 45 years, as President for multiple years, Chairman of the annual Greek Food Festival for many years, Sunday School Director, Sunday School Teacher, GOYA Basketball Coach, a member of the Choir, and a longtime member of the Cooking Crew. He was also on the Capital Campaign Committee, the Building Committee, and led the current Iconography & Stained Glass renovation projects. He was ordained as an Archon in the Greek Orthodox Church to honor him for his lifetime of service and devotion to his Greek Orthodox faith.

Christ was well-recognized for his service to his community. He was inducted to the Junior Achievement of Greater Reading & Lehigh Valley Business Hall of Fame in 2011, he received the 2013 Eugene Shirk Community Builder Award, the Spirit of Reading Award from the Salvation Army in 2014, the 2014 Sydney D. Kline Jr. Award for Community Service from the Law Foundation of Berks County/Pennsylvania Institute of Certified Public Accountants, the 2016 Thun Award for Community Leadership, the 2019 Richard J. Caron Award of Excellence from the Caron Foundation, the 2024 Centro Hispano Daniel Torres Amigo Award, the 2025 Tower Health Legacy of Health Partnership Award, the Berks Encore Leadership by Example Award, the United Way Wilbur H. Duran Award, the Albright College Jacob Albright Award, the Boy Scouts of America Spirit of Scouting Award, and the AFP Berks Regional Chapter Outstanding Philanthropist Award. He received distinguished alumni awards from Northeast Middle School, Reading High School, and Albright College. Christ was also added to The Founders Wall and has a dorm dedicated in his name at Albright College. He was honored as an Emeritus Trustee at Alvernia University and Albright College.

Christ married the love of his life, Ann B. Kraras, on December 29, 1968. They shared over 55 wonderful years together.

Christ is survived by his son, Dean (Jen) Kraras, his daughter, Marisa (Scott) Hunsicker, his seven grandchildren: Mackenzie, Peyton, Christopher, and Delaney Kraras; and Tommy, Christo, and Gram Hunsicker; his two sisters, Angel (Mauro) Cammarano and Patricia “Tula” (Bernie) Donahue, as well as his large, devoted family.

Christ will forever be remembered for putting God and family above everything in his life. “Pappou” never missed any event his children or grandchildren took part in, and his family will be forever grateful.

A visitation will be held Sunday, March 29, 2026, from 3:00 to 8:00 PM at Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church, 1001 East Wyomissing Blvd., Reading, PA 19611. A visitation will also be held on Monday, March 30, 2026, from 9:00 to 11:00 AM at the church. A service will follow beginning at 11:00 AM. Burial will take place at Charles Evans Cemetery at the conclusion of the service. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Saints Constantine and Helen Church at the above address. Edward J. Kuhn Funeral Home is honored to serve the Kraras family. Condolences may be expressed at kuhnfuneralhomes.com.