Paul Leslie “Les” Kraft, 86, of Blairstown, NJ, passed away peacefully on February 7, 2025, in Newton, NJ. Born on December 5, 1938, in Newark, NJ, to Clifford and Mary (Zabriskie) Kraft, Les grew up in Belleville, NJ, and spent all his life in the Garden State. After living in South Plainfield for 21 years, he made his home in Blairstown in 1991, where he enjoyed the peace of the countryside with his beloved wife Arlene.
Les was a skilled and talented man, known for his ingenuity and hands-on abilities. As the owner of Kustom Kraft Guns Corp., he gained a reputation as a true jack of all trades, capable of building, repairing, and crafting anything he set his mind to. A lover of antiques, Les was also an avid reader and passionate collector, often finding beauty and value in the past.
He loved mechanisms and his interest grew to cover not only firearms but automobiles as well. When he was young his passions guided him to a job as an auto mechanic which then led him to a position as the service manager for a dealership in Millburn. Eventually, he branched out on his own. He became the proprietor of a 17-bay garage and a three-bay gas station. Things were good until the gas shortage of 1979. In 1982, Kraft started working in the military surplus industry out of Woodbridge. Simultaneously, he worked at a gun shop in Whitehouse.
Originally, he told the owner of the Whitehouse shop to put him on for a week. If the owner didn’t like his work, he didn’t have to pay him and Kraft would leave but he ended up working there for eight years.
In June 1991, Kraft bought the Blairstown location that would become Kustom Kraft. His patriotism ran deep, and he was known for his generosity, always willing to lend a hand or offer support to others.
Les was a devoted family man and pet lover. He is survived by his loving wife, Arlene, and his daughters, Debra Ebert (Michael) and Karen Kraft. He also leaves behind his cherished grandchildren: Justin and Tyler Henderson, Kyle Ebert (Taylor), Michaela Ebert, and Brandon Ebert (Alexandra). Les was predeceased by his sister, Merlyn, and brother, Robert, as well as his daughter Kathleen Foley (Michael) and granddaughter Paige Foley.
Les’s legacy will live on through his family, friends, and the many lives he touched with his kindness, wisdom, and unmatched skill. His memory will be forever cherished.
A visitation will be held on Wednesday, February 12, from 10-11AM at Newbaker Funeral Home with a mass of Christian burial following at 11:30AM at St. Jude RC Church, Blairstown, NJ, entombment will follow at Newton Cemetery, Newton, NJ.
At the family’s request flowers will not be accepted.
Please consider donations in memory of Les to:
The Blairstown Fire and Rescue Department, P.O. Box J, Blairstown, NJ, 07825.