ohn J. Kraskouskas, 101 and a half, of Gardner, died Monday July 19, 2010 in Athol Memorial Hospital after a long and fruitful life. John was born on February 8, 1909 in Thomas, West Virginia; he was the son of the late Joseph and Caroline (Bulovas) Kraskouskas. When he was 16 years old, he moved to Gardner where he lived for the rest of his life. His beloved wife Katherine "Kitty" (Kingsley-Hughes) Kraskouskas died on June 10, 2008. John loved telling stories about growing up on Union Street. In his early years he enjoyed playing baseball and was noted as a good pitcher in several local leagues. He had an outgoing personality and a large repertoire of jokes and one-liners that he loved to share with family and friends. John worked for S. Bent Brothers, and other chair factories in Gardner. He enjoyed sharing stories about the long hours and low pay of that time. John saw his future in the emerging automobile industry, and went to mechanics school in Detroit, MI. He returned to Gardner, and after World War II, opened Johnny's Motor Sales, a Studebaker-Packard dealership, which he operated for more than forty years. Following his career in automobile sales, he turned his interests to real estate and partnered with his wife to operate the PYCA Thrift Shop on Parker St. in Gardner. He remained active at the store until the time of his passing. Golf was his passion. John was a founding member of the South Gardner Golf Association, a one-time Golf Commissioner for the City of Gardner, and continued winning golf tournaments even into his 80's. John took great pleasure in family get-togethers at his home on Central Street where he lived for 34 years. Often when people asked the secret of his long life he responded, "Just keep breathing." John will be sadly missed by two sons; Joseph S. Kraskouskas and his wife Joyce (Hebert) of Gardner, and John C. Kraskouskas and his wife Marjorie (Jandris) of North Attleboro, one daughter; Eileen Kraskouskas of Richmond, CA; 12 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren, 4 great-great grandchildren, one brother; Peter Kraskouskas and his wife Lauretta, of Gardner, three nieces and four nephews. John was predeceased by his brother Anthony, his sister Amelia, his nephew Peter, and his sister in-law Annie