Thomas Francis Kravets

Captain Thomas Francis Kravets, D.D.S., passed away peacefully on June 23, 2025, in Winter Springs, Florida, at the age of 90. A proud first-generation Slovak-American, his life was defined by service, devotion to family, and an enduring zest for learning and craftsmanship. Born on September 23, 1934, in Masontown, Pennsylvania, Thomas was raised by immigrant parents — Andrew, a coal miner, and Mary, a homemaker — who instilled in him a deep faith and a tireless work ethic. Thomas earned a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from Waynesburg College in 1956. He received his Doctorate of Dental Surgery from The University of Pittsburgh Dental School before commissioning as an Ensign in the United States Navy in 1960. He completed Post-Graduate courses at the Naval Dental School, in 1969, and was awarded a Master of Science in Periodontology from the University Of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine in 1971. Thomas’ first assignment took him to Key West, Florida, where he eloped with his beloved sweetheart, Gloria Povanda. Their marriage spanned nearly 61 years until Gloria’s passing in January 2022. Throughout his distinguished 32-year naval career, Thomas served with honor and distinction across the globe. He was stationed in Trinidad & Tobago, Quantico, VA, Norfolk, VA, Paris Island, SC, Mayport, FL, Philadelphia Naval Yard, PA, Okinawa, Japan, and served aboard the the USS Fremont and the USS Yosemite on several deployments to the Mediterranean, before his final duty station in Orlando, FL. Promoted to Captain in 1976, he served as Commanding Officer of the 3rd FFSG, 3rd Dental Battalion in Okinawa and later led the Naval Training Center Dental Clinic in Orlando. He retired from active duty in June 1990. Thomas was entitled to wear the Navy Commendation Medal, Fleet Marine Force Ribbon, National Defense Service Medal, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, and Association of the Military Surgeons of the United States. Retirement did little to slow Thomas down. Ever curious and industrious, he pursued a wide array of second careers: selling luxury cars and fine jewelry, teaching dental courses at Southern College in Orlando, and serving as President of The Slovak Garden in Winter Park, Florida. Thomas had a passion for restoring antique cars to their original condition — a hobby that reflected his appreciation for craftsmanship and history - and was a member of various antique car clubs throughout Central Florida. A voracious reader who often devoured six library books a week, he also created one-of-a-kind shark's tooth jewelry capped in precious metals, inspired by the movie, “Jaws”. He played piano and organ by ear with an immense repertoire that brought joy to many. A proud Mason of Teikoku Lodge #19 in Okinawa, Japan, he valued tradition and fraternity. Whether enjoying the pool after a day of yard work or befriending every dog he met, Thomas embraced life with energy and warmth. He is lovingly remembered by his daughter M Susan Butler of Key West, Florida, as well as grandson Ryden Winfield Butler (wife Alexandra Butler), and great-granddaughter Rhys Marie Butler all of Denver, Colorado. Thomas was preceded in death by his cherished wife Gloria Marie Kravets and their son Michael Thomas Kravets. Captain Kravets’ legacy lives on through the lives he touched and through the example he set for future generations. A funeral Mass in honor of Captain Kravets will be held at Incarnation Catholic Church, 1515 Edgewater Drive, in Orlando on Saturday, August 2nd, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. May Thomas’s memory be a blessing and comfort to those who knew him, and an inspiration to those who follow his example. Fair winds and following seas.

Thomas Francis Kravets

September 23, 1934 - June 23, 2025