Herman G. Cratty, 81, of Garards Fort (Headlee Heights), died at 4:35 a.m. Saturday, November 21, 1998, at his home. Mr. Cratty served as a deacon of First Baptist Church of Greensboro and resided in Headlee Heights since 1959. In his early life, he worked on various river boats on the Monongahela River, including the steam sternwheeler, The Homestead. He also did construction work at various locations. He had worked at the filtering plant of U.S. Steel Robena Mine. Later, he worked in barge handling and retired as a barge loader from the Robena Mine in 1979. Mr. Cratty was a member of United Mine Workers of America Robena Local 6321, and he was known locally for his work as a professional Santa Claus for 27 years. On September 4, 1948, he married Janet L. Wheeler, who survives. Also surviving are a son, Kelly T. Cratty of Clarksville; two daughters, Sally Gail Crouser of Charleston, W.Va., and Jill Pekar of Dilliner R.D.1; seven grandchildren, Kristi and Jessica Pekar, Wesley and Julie Crouser and Christopher, Eileen and Hayley Cratty; a sister, Margaret C. Franks of North Charleroi; and several nieces and nephews. Deceased are a son, H.G. Cratty; and two brothers, Jack A. and William Cratty. Copyright ©1998 Observer Publishing Co.Last updated Monday, November 23, 1998Herman G. Cratty
Retired U.S. Steel Robena Miner
He was born July 28, 1917, in Lock Four, a son of Andrew Jackson and Cecelia O. Weber Cratty.