John Karrat, founder of Karrat Bros., was 95
John Karrat, founder of Karrat Bros., was 95
John G. Karrat, who founded Karrat Bros. Wholesale Fruit & Produce in the 1930s, died Dec. 18. He was 95.
Born in Utica, NY, in 1909, Mr. Karrat began his career in the produce industry with a small truck and a small route, peddling produce at the age of 21.
In the mid-1930s, he and his brother, Nayef, started Karrat Bros. As owner and buyer for the company, he spent much time on the old Washington Street Market in New York buying produce for his company in Utica.
He was also a fixture in the Buffalo market in the 1950s and 1960s. When a fire destroyed the family?s warehouse in 1966, Mr. Karrat decided to retire. His son, Fred, went on to become a broker and started Karrat Brokerage Co. in Albany in 1972.
Besides his family and his work, was active in his community and held various city and local government positions. In the early 1960s, he was New York State director of Aiding Leukemia Stricken American Children, which is the cornerstone organization that supports St. Jude?s Children?s Research Hospital in Memphis, TN.
Among his interests, Mr. Karrat loved to travel and was a fan of horse racing. He owned Karrat Stables and raced both Standard bred and Thoroughbred horses.
Mr. Karrat is survived by his seven children, 18 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
Funeral services were held in his hometown of Utica, NY, on Dec. 21. Contributions in his memory may be made to St. Jude?s Children?s Research Hospital in Memphis, TN.
Born in Utica, NY, in 1909, Mr. Karrat began his career in the produce industry with a small truck and a small route, peddling produce at the age of 21.
In the mid-1930s, he and his brother, Nayef, started Karrat Bros. As owner and buyer for the company, he spent much time on the old Washington Street Market in New York buying produce for his company in Utica.
He was also a fixture in the Buffalo market in the 1950s and 1960s. When a fire destroyed the family?s warehouse in 1966, Mr. Karrat decided to retire. His son, Fred, went on to become a broker and started Karrat Brokerage Co. in Albany in 1972.
Besides his family and his work, was active in his community and held various city and local government positions. In the early 1960s, he was New York State director of Aiding Leukemia Stricken American Children, which is the cornerstone organization that supports St. Jude?s Children?s Research Hospital in Memphis, TN.
Among his interests, Mr. Karrat loved to travel and was a fan of horse racing. He owned Karrat Stables and raced both Standard bred and Thoroughbred horses.
Mr. Karrat is survived by his seven children, 18 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
Funeral services were held in his hometown of Utica, NY, on Dec. 21. Contributions in his memory may be made to St. Jude?s Children?s Research Hospital in Memphis, TN.
