Michael Kraft

formerly of Rochester, NY, passed away on July 12, 2026 at age 36, in Minot, North Dakota. Michael was born on April 18, 1990, in Rochester, New York, the son of Patrick and Susan (Hassett) Kraft. He was raised and educated in the town of Greece and graduated from Greece Athena High School in 2008. Michael continued his academic pursuits at SUNY Oswego, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in journalism. His passion for writing and sports led him to a career as a sports journalist. After college, Michael began his career with the Minot Daily News and went on to write for the Bismarck Tribune, the Sun Journal in Lewistown, Maine and the NY Assembly in Albany, NY. While Michael always had a love for covering hockey, he learned to enjoy and appreciate a full range of athletic events. Michael was an avid video gamer, enjoyed the challenge of building Lego structures and took a great deal of pride in his writing. Researching and interviewing his subjects to ensure a complete and accurate story was his passion. In 2023, Michael achieved a lifelong dream of visiting Japan with his family. It was a trip that he continued to talk about to this day. Michael struggled with health issues for many years but was so proud that he was able to return to Minot and the Minot Daily News in June of 2025. Even though his stay was short, the positive response he received from the people of Minot filled him with pride and purpose.

Michael was preceded in death by grandmother, Catherine Tidd; grandfather, Edward Hassett. Michael is survived by his parents; his siblings, Daniel and Jessica; his grandmother, Carolann Hassett; aunts and uncles, James (Donna) Kraft, Tim (Parichard), Greg (Paul), David (Amanda) Hassett; nephews, Bronson and Maddox Molisani and cherished cousins and extended family. Michael spent many years struggling with complications from anorexia but he never gave up in his pursuit to live out his dreams. We take comfort in knowing that the last year of his life was so fulfilling for him. Mike was a gifted writer. He lived for it and loved it.

Please join us in a celebration of life for Mike on Tuesday (August 18t) from 2:00-5:00 PM at the Thomas X. Grasso Lodge located in Greece Canal Park. 

If anyone would like to make a donation in Mike’s name, please consider The Emilee Connection, a nonprofit organization that strives to support adults struggling with an eating disorder. Mike contributed many blogs on the website. 

To share memories or offer condolences please visit www.thomasfamilyfuneralhome.com