Michael Kraft
Share
Let the family know you care by sharing this tribute
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 18th) 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
Sorry for your loss, prayers for you and your family from our family
With our deepest sympathy, keeping you and your family in our thoughts and prayers.
My houghts and prayers for Michael’s family, friends, and all the people he met along the way in his 36 years on this earth.
He was such a gifted writer in his role as a sports journalist. His blog writings on The Emilee Connection, give an insight into dealing with an eating disorder, especially in a male.
I feel such a loss. A wonderful young man taken too soon, by such an insidious illness. Yet I am somewhat comforted, that he spent the last year doing what he loved,and doing it so well.
Rest in Peace Mike 🙏
Thinking of you Suzi and your family.. my heart breaks for you. Please reach out if there is anything I can do to help. i will see you soon.
Kasia
Michael Kraft was one of the kindest people I have ever known. He was such a talented, award winning journalist, wonderful son and brother, and friend like family. Mike contributed many blogs to The Emilee Connection website, and he was an integral part of our adult support group meetings when in Rochester, always offering support and encouragement to others who were struggling. He lives on, in our hearts, our memories, and in our prayers, and so will his devoted mom, dad and brother. So very sorry . Our deepest sympathy. Love stays always!
🪽💗🙏💗 🪽
I’m so sorry for your this loss, all friends and family of Michael Kraft.
In addition to being a talented writer, Michael was also a teacher. His story and fierce self-advocacy will forever inform my work as therapist. My heart is with his family.
Sue, Pat, Mrs Hasset, Tim and families, Cindy and I were saddened to hear of Mike’s passing.
I vividly recall waiting for a table at Ricki’s when you all came in to join the wait. You introduced Mike to us and Amanda , who at the time was a newly minted RNews meteorologist. You told us he was interested in a career in journalism. Amanda told him it was a great field to pursue and told him to reach out if he ever wanted to shadow her.
Since then I found out from you that he did pursue it and was doing well! At our last Clinical lunch you told me he was working in Minot. I took the time to look him up and read a couple of stories he authored. He certainly could weave an interesting story of the happenings going on the field. I enjoyed him including many names of the players heb mentioned in his stories. I am sure proud parents and families placed those articles in scrapbooks that will be with them forever. That will be his legacy..
Upon learning of his passing, I went back to the paper and found an excellent article his colleagues wrote about him. While it must be extremely sad to read I am sure that he made you very proud that he made such an impact.
It is my hope that the memories you created wit him will sustain you during this most difficult time.
May he Rest in God’s Peace.
With sympathy,
Jim & Cindy Schoeneman
We were so sorry to hear of the passing of your beloved Michael. May God give you comfort and may He bless Mike with eternal happiness and peace. ⚘🕊
Love,
Jody, Tim, and Joelle Thomas