Charles J. Keratsis, 86, of Holden, Massachusetts, died on July 21, 2016 at Saint Vincent Hospital in Worcester, Massachusetts on the anniversary date of his father’s passing in 1958. His father was John P. Keratsis and his mother, Stamatia (Stella) Liangos.
Charles was a graduate of Valley Forge Military Academy and Syracuse University.
From 1955-1957, he earned the rank of First Lieutenant in the Army. He was a member of St. Spyridon Greek Orthodox Cathedral, a Scottish Rite Freemason, and a past President of the St. George’s Hellenic Benefit Society of Tsamanta. Above all, he was a gentleman, both generous and kind.
A lifelong historian, he loved visiting old battlefields and historical sites. In fact, on his honeymoon, he “surprised” his young bride, Carole, with romantic visits to Civil War battlefields. He repeated this itinerary with his son and daughter on nearly every family vacation. They loved him for it.
Nothing gave him more pleasure than spending time with his family and friends, a glass of Coca-Cola with ice, and Syracuse football. He had a cheerful whistle and an ability to make any story memorable. He was Greek and proud of it.
He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Carole (Karczewski) Keratsis; his son, John C. Keratsis and his wife Margaret Stamatogianis of Charlotte, NC; his daughter, Dina Keratsis and her husband Keith W. Harris of Stow, Massachusetts; his grandchildren, Jabe, Rowan and Konstantine; his sister, Mary Anna Koulisis of Worcester; his mother-in-law, Gladys (Berry) Chilleri of Holden; his brother-in-law, Nicola Narcisi of Holden, and many beloved nieces, nephews and grand-nieces and grand-nephews.
His brother George Keratsis; his sister Evelyn and her husband, Paul Pantos, their son, John, and his brother-in-law, Paul Koulisis, predeceased him.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to the St. Spyridon Greek Orthodox Cathedral Family Center, 102 Russell Street, Worcester, MA 01609.
Visiting hours will be from 5 to 8 p.m. on Sunday, July 24 at O’Connor Brothers Funeral Home, 592 Park Avenue, Worcester. Funeral services will be held on Monday, July 25 at 10 a.m. at St. Spyridon Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 102 Russell St., Worcester. Burial will follow in Hope Cemetery.