Dr. Gregory Paul Kracher

Dr. Gregory Paul Kracher passed away at his home in Frederick, MD on August 17th 2026. He was a Frederick resident for over 30 years and will be remembered for his kindness and abundant contributions to the field of optometry.

Born on January 28th, 1949 in California, he was the only son of the late Henry ‘Hank’ Jerome Kracher, a sailor, and the late Blanche Rosemond (Rassier) Kracher, a seamstress. He grew up in Delaware and attended undergrad at John Carroll University in Ohio, where he played varsity football. He went on to complete his post-graduate and doctorate of optometry at The Ohio State University (class of ‘73), and remained a lifelong ‘Buckeye’. If you paid close attention, you may have already recognized this about the man.

Dr. Kracher was nationally recognized for his expertise in contact lenses. He spent 23 years at the Wilmer Eye Institute of Johns Hopkins where he held the title of Director of the Contact Lens Service. He was appointed Assistant Professor at Johns Hopkins from 1980-2001. His many years’ experience at the cutting edge of ocular research and discovery at Johns Hopkins and the National Institute of Health enabled him to bring to Frederick, over 30 years ago, a highly regarded optometric practice.

Gregory Paul was a lifelong man of faith and devoted catholic. He was involved throughout the building process of the St. Katherine Drexel Parish, and was a member of the Frederick Knights of Columbus chapter, where he frequently assisted with community dinners.

An avid sports fan and long time golfer, Greg shot a hole-in-one in 2008. He framed the score card. The ace was verified by several eyewitnesses, and he would regularly remind his sons of this achievement. However, most experts consider the shot an anomaly. In addition to golf, Greg enjoyed apples, cigars, science fiction, and the band Morphine.

Greg will be remembered for his friendliness, his dry wit, and his strength. He was an excellent listener.

He is survived by his sons Taylor Paul Kracher, of Baltimore, MD, and Nicholas Lee Kracher, of Philadelphia, PA; his daughter Tatum Rose Kracher of Frederick; his best friend, Terry Huston, of Cotopaxi, CO; and his feline accompaniment, Wilson Kracher, the barn cat.

Others he is survived by include the mother of his children, Mary Jaclyn ‘Jackie’ LoValvo of Glen Rock, PA; his stepsons Michael D. Harris Jr, of Frederick; Corey D. Ritter of Houston, TX; and the many members of the Kracher family residing out west in the Greater Spokane, WA area.

If interested in attending a celebration of life (date to be determined), please send name(s) and phone number to taylor.kracher@gmail.com.