Robert Kraft Family Life: Behind The Persona

Behind the roaring crowds of Gillette Stadium and the multi-billion-dollar empire of the New England Patriots, Robert Kraft leads a private life deeply anchored in family tradition, loss, and long-standing Boston roots. While the public knows him as a sports mogul and a fixture of NFL royalty, his domestic world spans four sons, decades of marriage, and a transition into a new chapter later in life. Understanding his background requires looking past the championship rings to the upbringing, marriages, and generational business structures that define his private sphere.

Born in Brookline, Massachusetts, in 1941, Kraft grew up in a strict Modern Orthodox Jewish household. His father, Harry Kraft, manufactured dresses in Boston’s Chinatown and served as a lay leader at Congregation Kehillath Israel. The household emphasized strict religious observance, community service, and education. Because young Robert spent his afternoons attending Hebrew school and observing the Sabbath, traditional athletic participation was limited during his high school years. He later attended Columbia University on a scholarship, serving as class president before earning an MBA from Harvard Business School in 1965.

The Foundation: Marriage to Myra Hiatt

In 1962, while studying at Columbia, Kraft met Myra Hiatt at a Boston delicatessen. They married in June 1963, beginning a partnership that lasted nearly half a century. Myra was the daughter of businessman and philanthropist Jacob Hiatt. She carved out her own respected identity as a businesswoman and philanthropist, heavily involved in educational and healthcare initiatives through the Robert and Myra Kraft Family Foundation.

Myra's passing from ovarian cancer in July 2011 at age 68 profoundly impacted the family and shocked the sports world. During the 2011 NFL season, the Patriots wore a jersey patch featuring her initials, "MHK," to honor her memory. Friends and associates frequently note that Myra was instrumental behind the scenes during Kraft's acquisition of the Patriots in 1994, acting as a trusted sounding board for both personal and professional decisions.

Raising Four Sons and Generating a Dynasty

Robert and Myra raised four sons: Jonathan, Daniel, Joshua, and David. Unlike many billionaire heirs who distance themselves from family enterprises, Kraft integrated his sons directly into the operations of the Kraft Group, ensuring that family dynamics and corporate governance remained closely intertwined.

• Jonathan Kraft: As the eldest son, Jonathan serves as the president of the New England Patriots and the Kraft Group, overseeing day-to-day business operations, media strategy, and league-level owner meetings.
• Daniel Kraft: Daniel heads International Forest Products, the global paper and packaging trading company founded by his father in 1972, managing massive international supply chains.
• Joshua Kraft: Joshua dedicated much of his professional life to public service, previously running the Boys & Girls Clubs of Boston before taking on leadership roles within Kraft family philanthropic entities.
• David Kraft: David has maintained a more private profile while previously holding operational roles within the broader family business portfolio.

Balancing intensive business growth with parenting wasn't always standard luxury; the family built its wealth incrementally through industrial packaging before entering sports entertainment. Kraft's children grew up watching their father pivot from paper manufacturing to sports ownership, instilling a strong work ethic across the household.

A New Chapter: Marriage to Dr. Dana Blumberg

Following years as a widower, Kraft's personal life entered a new phase when he began dating New York City-based ophthalmologist Dr. Dana Blumberg. The pair connected through social and philanthropic circles, making their official public debut as a couple in 2017.

In October 2022, Kraft and Blumberg married in a star-studded ceremony in New York City attended by numerous celebrities, athletes, and business leaders, with musical performances by artists like Ed Sheeran. The wedding highlighted a renewed social vibrancy for Kraft in his eighties, blending his established Boston roots with a bi-city lifestyle between Massachusetts and Manhattan.

Shared Philanthropy and Legacy

Family life for the Krafts extends heavily into institutional giving. The family has distributed hundreds of millions of dollars to causes ranging from higher education—including multi-million dollar contributions to Harvard Business School and Brandeis University—to healthcare innovations like the Kraft Center for Community Health.

Following the rise of modern digital hate groups, Robert Kraft established the Foundation to Combat Antisemitism in 2019, pouring significant family resources into monitoring and countering prejudice. By embedding philanthropic boards with his sons and extended family members, Kraft has transformed his private family values into a permanent institutional legacy.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many children does Robert Kraft have?

Robert Kraft has four sons with his late wife Myra: Jonathan, Daniel, Joshua, and David. All four have played active roles within the family's businesses or philanthropic organizations.

Who was Robert Kraft's first wife?

His first wife was Myra Hiatt Kraft, whom he married in 1963. She was a prominent philanthropist and community leader until her passing from ovarian cancer in 2011.

When did Robert Kraft remarry?

Kraft married Dr. Dana Blumberg, a Manhattan-based ophthalmologist, in October 2022 during a ceremony in New York City.

Are Robert Kraft's sons involved in the New England Patriots?

Yes. Jonathan Kraft serves as the president of the Patriots and oversees operations alongside his father, while other brothers manage separate entities within the broader Kraft Group portfolio.