Charles E. Kratz, Jr.

Charles E. Kratz, Jr., 74, of Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania, passed away peacefully on Saturday, February 7, 2026 after a short illness. He was the loving husband of William (Bill) Varady Jr. They were married in 2013 and lived together for almost 30 years. Born in Baltimore, Maryland, and baptized Catholic, he was the son of Charles E. Kratz, Sr. and Catherine M. (Hudson) Kratz. He resided in the Stroudsburg and Monroe County area since 1991.

Charles retired in 2019 as Dean Emeritus of the Library & Information Fluency at the University of Scranton after 28 years of service. He led them from the opening of the Harry & Jeanette
Weinberg Memorial Library in 1992 and was instrumental in making many technology and infrastructure upgrades. His professional career spanned over 45 years. He graduated from the University of Notre Dame with Bachelor and Master degrees in History and later received a Master’s degree in Library Science from the University of Maryland. He was actively involved in the Pennsylvania Library Association and the American Library Association where he served on numerous committees including the Executive Board from 2007 to 2010.

Charles lived his life fully and loved a good laugh. He traveled extensively and took many cruises to Europe with his husband, Bill, and friends. He enjoyed theatre (especially Sondheim or Angela Lansbury) and attended hundreds of performances. He enjoyed spending time at their condominium in Jupiter, Florida and relaxing with a good Cosmopolitan or Espresso Martini. Throughout his life, Charles was steadfastly loyal to his family and friends, passionate about his convictions and willing to stand up for them, and frequently volunteered his time and talent to advance many important social justice and charitable causes.

In addition to his spouse, Charles is survived by a loving sister, Charlene Catherine Reese of Bishopville, Maryland and her husband, Frank T. Reese III; two nephews: Frank T. Reese IV and Dustin Charles Kratz Reese; a great nephew, Frank T. Reese V and a great niece, Sadie Reese. He will also be missed by a large circle of friends and colleagues.

A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, March 18, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. in the Charles Kratz Scranton Heritage Room on the 5 th floor of the Harry & Jeanette Weinberg Memorial Library at the University of Scranton with refreshments to follow. The Weinberg Library is located at Linden and Monroe Streets on the University campus in Scranton, Pennsylvania, 18510 with parking nearby.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the “Friends of the Weinberg Memorial Library” and sent to the Weinberg Library at the above address.

Private cremation was entrusted to the Joseph J. Pula Funeral Home, Inc., 23 N 9th Street, Stroudsburg, PA 18360.

pulafuneralhome.com

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