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George K. Karas
4/17/2017

SPRINGFIELD – George K. Karas, 91, of the Forest Park section of Springfield, was Called Safely Home on Monday, April 17, 2017. He passed into Eternal Life at his home surrounded by the care and comfort of his loving family. He was born in Chios, Greece on April 23,1925, a beloved son of the late Constantine and Argeta (Kostalas) Karastamatis. He was raised, schooled and served in the Greek Army during World War II in Greece and then came to Springfield in 1955. He and his wife, Jo-Ann, were the operators for over 30 years of the YMCA Coffee Shop and Restaurant on Chestnut Street in Springfield and retired in 2000. He was an avid Red Sox and Patriots fan and was always ready to watch a good game. George was always anxious for the summer months and could not wait until the end of May when he planted his tomatoes. He enjoyed the harvest and lovingly gave many tomatoes to his family and friends. George was a family man who adored his family and showered them with his love and affection. He was a communicant of Saint George Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Springfield. He leaves his beloved wife and best friend, Jo-Ann (Nickolaides) Karas. They were married on June 24, 1956 at Saint George Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Springfield and were blessed with nearly 61 years of happiness together. He also leaves his two loving children, Dean G. Karas of Springfield and Stephen E. Karas and his wife, Julie, whom he loved like his daughter; his two cherished grandchildren whom he adored, Nicholas and Arianna Karas, all of West Springfield; his dear sisters, Rena Kolakis and Pouloudi Cormalos and her husband, Demetri, all of Chios, Greece; his three dear sisters-in-law, Soula Karastamatis of Chios, Greece, Harriet DelNegro and her husband, Ciro, of West Springfield and Tula Nickolaides of Agawam; and his many nephews, nieces and friends. Besides his parents, he was also predeceased by his two dear brothers, Elias and John Karastamatis; and his dear sister, Maritsa Loutas. His funeral will be held on Friday morning, April 21, 2017 beginning at the St. Pierre – Phaneuf Springfield Chapels, (413-737-1177), 7 Chapin Terrace, Springfield, MA 01107, (funeral home will open at 9:30 a.m.) followed by a Funeral Service at 11 a.m. in Saint George Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 2320 Main Street, Springfield, MA 01107. His burial will follow the service at Oak Grove Cemetery, 426 Bay Street, Springfield, MA 01109. His family will receive friends at the funeral home on Thursday, April 20, 2017 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. His family has requested that memorial donations be made in his memory to Saint George Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 22 Saint George Road, Springfield, MA 01104. For more details, please visit:www.stpierrephaneuf.com
St. Pierre-Phaneuf Springfield Chapels
7 Chapin Terrace
Springfield, MA USA 01107
413-737-1177