John C. Karpakis

Our beloved husband, father and uncle, John C. Karpakis, passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by family on June 24, 2022, at the age of 93.

He was born September 22, 1928 in Magna, Utah, to Greek immigrant parents, Chris N. Karpakis and Katherine Kanios Karpakis.  He retired from Kennecott Copper after 44 years of service as Warehouse Superintendent and was blessed to enjoy a long healthy retirement.  

From a young age, with a strong work ethic and a deep desire to learn, he mastered many skills that he applied to home improvements for himself, his family and friends. He was a perfectionist and his quality of work was second to none.  His organizational and people skills were a perfect match for his personal life and career.  Remarkably, he struck a great balance in all aspects of his life including family, career, church service, mentoring others and socializing. He loved gardening, making home improvements, his daily coffee group and time spent with family and friends.  He was affectionately known as Uncle John or in Greek as “Barba Yianni” to everyone, whether they were related or not.  John was truly a people person.  Everyone was drawn to his smile, laugh, pleasant personality, positive attitude and sense of humor.   

As a faithful Christian, John became a leader in the Salt Lake Valley Greek Orthodox Churches, serving as Parish Council Vice President, and directing the Sunday School Program.  John was passionate about and instrumental in the founding of Prophet Elias Greek Orthodox Church in Holladay.

He graduated from Cyprus High School and Stevens-Henager Business College.  Before being drafted into the Army, he ventured into cattle ranching.   He attained the rank of Sergeant during the Korean War.  He met the love of his life at his brother Nick’s wedding in Chicago, a beautiful Greek immigrant girl named Pat Maroudas.  They were married at Holy Trinity Cathedral in Salt Lake City on November 15, 1953 and were inseparable for nearly 70 years of marriage.  

John is survived by his wife Pat, sons George (Scarlet) and Christopher.  He is also survived by nieces and nephews, Christine (Cory) Mills, Chuck (Goldie) Karpakis, James (Candace) Karpakis, Cory Karpakis, Kelli Karpakis, Rita (Spiro) Demas, George Maroudas, Rita (John) Litsas, Jim (Diane) Maroudas and Dino (Eleni) Maroudas, and numerous great nieces and nephews.  Also survived by sisters-in-law Lorlee Karpakis and Voula Maroudas and brother-in-law Jim Maroudas.  Survived also by godchildren Chris Sakellariou, Patty Pecora, Jim Saltas and Mary Lynn Beck.  John was preceded in death by his parents, mother-in-law Margarita Maroudas, brother Nick and his wife Georgia Karpakis, brother Pete Karpakis, brother-in-law George Maroudas, sisters-in-law, Athena and Mary Maroudas, nephew Chris Karpakis and nieces Kathy Karpakis and Margo Maroudas.

The family would like to thank his many caregivers, including Dr. Roy Gandolfi, Dr. Glynn Gilcrease, Dr. David Renner, nurse Shauna Bennee, Right at Home, Huntsman at Home and Summit at Home. 

Funeral Services will be held on Wednesday, June 29^th at noon at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 279 South 300 West, SLC, UT 84101.  A viewing will be held for one hour prior to the funeral.  Following Interment at Mount Olivet Cemetery, the traditional Makaria, “Memorial Meal” will be held at the Cathedral.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his honor to Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church Benevolence Fund at the above address or to St Anna Greek Orthodox Church, PO Box 171224, Holladay, UT 84117.

MAY HIS MEMORY BE ETERNAL