Obituary of Charles H. Karakashian

Charles H. Karakashian of Venice, Florida, passed away on April 20, 2024 at the age of 99.  He was born on August 28, 1924 in Worcester, MA and was a former resident of Worcester & North Andover.  Charles was a Draftsman at Davis & Furber Machine Company in both Worcester & North Andover, MA and retired in 1986. After retiring, Charles worked at St. Michael’s Parish in North Andover for several years prior to moving to Florida in 2005. 

Charles attended Worcester Trade School and finished his studies in Drafting in 1942. While living in Worcester, he was a member of the Worcester Light Opera Company and participated in several musicals. He was an avid skier and was the president of the Worcester Ski Club at Mt. Snow in Vermont for many years, which is where he met his wife, Carol. He excelled in finished carpentry and built two racing boats, as well as an 18- foot Cabin Cruiser boat. He and his wife enjoyed traveling throughout Europe, as well as having gone on many cruises. He loved outdoor activities, gardening, fishing, skiing and hiking, having climbed Mt. Washington and Tuckerman’s Ravine many times. He enjoyed reading history novels and boating magazines. His true passion was sailing, having spent many years doing just that at their summer home in Bath, ME.  It was always a special treat for the grandkids and great grandkids when “Pop” tied a dinghy to the dock and let them think they were rowing a boat in the ocean! 

Charlie built a scale model aircraft for use by the Government of the United States in Washington, DC and was recognized with a Certificate by the U.S. Navy Division of Aeronautics for his honorary work. 

Charlie leaves behind his wife of 56 years, Carol (Gaimari) Karakashian of Venice, FL; his daughters, Denise Corbin and her husband Frank of Wellfleet, MA, Deborah Gagnon and her husband Rick of North Andover, MA. Four grandchildren, Joshua Gagnon and his wife Sabrina of Reading, MA, Travis Gagnon and his wife Samantha of Tampa, FL, Sarah Famiglietti and her husband Gregory of Andover, MA and Eben Corbin of Plymouth, MA; five great-grandchildren, Paul, Anthony and Gino Famiglietti, Sofia and Olivia Gagnon, and a nephew and niece. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, Mihran and Goosina (Donekian) Karakashian and his sister, Mary (Karakashian) Monfreda. 

Known as our beloved “Pop” by family and friends, his life with us will be deeply missed and we are forever grateful for the time shared together.  Charlie requested that there be no formal services. A special Celebration of Life will be held in Massachusetts. The family would like to thank the Tidewell Hospice staff that visited Charles at home each week, as well as the hospice staff at Village on the Isle in Venice, FL for their compassion and support. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in memory of Charles Karakashian (www.stjude.org) 

Farley Funeral Home in Venice, Florida is handling the arrangements. To send a memory or condolence please visit www.farleyfuneralhome.com.