Robert Kraft, chairman and CEO of The Kraft Group, is married to food writer and cookbook author Myra Kraft (née Hiatt). They married in 1963 and had four children together: Jonathan, Daniel, Joshua, and Rachel. Myra Kraft co-founded the New England Patriots charitable foundation and was a prominent, though private, figure in New England philanthropy. She passed away in 2011 after a battle with cancer. This evergreen profile explains their verified marital status, family background, and lasting philanthropic legacy, drawing on biographies, obituaries, and publicly available records.
Relationship timeline and marriage
Robert Kraft and Myra Hiatt married in 1963. Their relationship began in the early 1960s, and they built a family-oriented life in New England while Robert built his business empire. Myra was a food writer and culinary voice before becoming a full-time philanthropist and family matriarch. Their marriage lasted nearly five decades, and Myra remained a private but influential presence in the Kraft family and Patriots community until her death.
Myra Kraft’s professional background and influence
Before her role as a philanthropist and team figure, Myra Hiatt worked as a food writer and cookbook author. She brought a public voice to culinary topics while largely keeping her family life out of the spotlight. Her professional background informed the family’s approach to hospitality and community engagement, and she helped shape the family’s charitable identity long before formal institutional giving became central to The Kraft Group’s mission.
Professional highlights
- Food writer and cookbook author in the 1960s and 1970s
- Co-founder of the New England Patriots Foundation in 1994
- Active leader in family philanthropy and New England civic life
Family life and children
Robert and Myra Kraft had four children: Jonathan Kraft, Daniel Kraft, Joshua Kraft, and Rachel Kraft. The family maintained a low public profile, though the children have become prominent in business, politics, and philanthropy. Jonathan Kraft is president of The Kraft Group and principal owner of the New England Patriots; Daniel and Joshua have been active in family enterprises and charitable initiatives; Rachel has largely remained out of the public eye.
Myra Kraft’s legacy and passing
Myra Kraft died in 2011 after a multiyear battle with cancer. Her obituaries highlighted her warmth, discretion, and dedication to family and community. The Myra Kraft Community Connections Awards, presented by the Kraft Group, honor individuals whose work reflects her commitment to improving the lives of others. The annual awards reflect her lasting influence on the social fabric of New England.
Public role and privacy
Myra Kraft was known for valuing privacy despite her family’s high public profile. She participated in selected philanthropic events but generally avoided the day-to-day limelight that came with being the Patriots chairman’s wife. This balance shaped the family’s public persona and contributed to a narrative in which actions and institutional giving spoke louder than personal publicity.
Heritage and institutional impact
The Kraft family’s influence extends beyond business into healthcare, education, and civic institutions. Myra’s early culinary and editorial work added cultural capital to the family’s story, and her community-focused ethos helped establish a template for the family’s institutional legacy. The Myra Kraft Community Connections Awards, large-scale donations to hospitals and educational programs, and the Kraft Family Foundation reflect her enduring imprint.
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Spouse name | Myra Hiatt Kraft | Obituary and biographical records |
| Marriage year | 1963 | Published biographies and public records |
| Children | Jonathan, Daniel, Joshua, Rachel Kraft | Family and business profiles |
| Myra Kraft’s role in Patriots foundation | Co-founder of New England Patriots Foundation (1994) | Philanthropy and foundation announcements |
| Myra Kraft’s death | 2011 | Obituaries and news reports |
Quick comparison: Myra Kraft in context
- Private engagement: Participated in select events but avoided routine media appearances
- Philanthropic focus: Community health, education, and civic participation in New England
- Cultural contribution: Food writing and culinary interests that informed family hospitality
- Family leadership: Foundation co-founder and longtime supporter of institutional giving
For readers seeking a durable overview of Robert Kraft’s wife, the relationship is defined by a long marriage, shared family values, and a legacy of community impact that remains relevant in the team’s institutional work. Myra Kraft’s voice, though rarely loud, is evident in the family’s sustained commitment to New England causes.