John George Karavas, 80, a resident of New Haven, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, April 24th, 2024, at Yale New Haven Hospital/St. Raphael campus with his family by his side. John was born at Wright Patterson Army Air Force Base, Dayton, Ohio on March 19, 1944, and was the son of the late John and Wanda Zebrowski Karavas. Following his father’s discharge from the Army, John and the family moved to his parents’ hometown, Dearborn Michigan where John spent his childhood. He graduated from Edsel Ford High School, Dearborn Michigan in June of 1962. Shortly thereafter he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force where he served in the air police unit until 1966. John moved to Connecticut in 1968 and was hired by William B. Scranton, an investment broker, to work in the firm’s research department. John was enrolled at the University of New Haven and graduated with honors in 1971. He held a Business Administration B.S. degree and majored in Economics. John was employed by Liberty Mutual Insurance Company and worked as a Business Insurance agent. He subsequently joined an independent insurance agency in Milford where he continued in the same role. John was co-founder of Diversified Insurance Services Corporation in 1979 and served as the company’s secretary/treasurer until 1997 after which he served as the firm’s president. John was active in the Hamden Rotary Club where he participated in many charitable activities. He served as the club’s president for an interim period of time before joining the New Haven Rotary Club, where among many club activities he also served as the club’s president. John served on the New Haven Chapter of the Salvation Army’s advisory board and served as the board’s chairperson for a one-year period of time. John volunteered to participate in many activities for several organizations in the New Haven area including the English Language Support Office for Foreign Students and Scholars, Yale University, New Haven where he worked with students from Japan and China. John is survived by his wife of 42 years, Phyllis Piscopo Karavas, his children Kimberly (Joseph) Bracale, Jennifer (Steve) Cifarelli, Jeff (Noreen) Karavas, Lisa (Bill) Johnson and Paul Desiderio. Grandfather of Kelsey (Ryan) Hunter, Nicholas Johnson, Joseph (Nicole) Bracale, Jake and Justin Bracale, Steve Cifarelli, Jeffrey and Madisen Karavas. Also survived by his beloved pet Maggie.
The visiting hours will be Monday, April 29th from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM at The Havens Family North Haven Funeral Home, 36 Washington Avenue. A Catholic Parlor Service will follow at 12:00 PM with full military honors. Interment will be private and at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, P.O. Box 50, Memphis, TN 38101-9929.
So sorry for your loss My deepest condolences to you all May His Soul Rest In Peace
Phyllis, prayers of comfort sent to you and your family.
My deepest condolences to your loving family..
I will hold you in my prayers during this very difficult time.
My condolences to Phyllis and her family. I had the pleasure of meeting John during his visits to Florida and meeting for lunch with our friends. Enjoyed his FB pictures and stories. RIP my friend until we meet again. Phyllis I have u and ur family in 🙏 prayer.
So sorry for your loss.
Love,
Mary Lou Angeloni
I am terribly sorry for your loss. May your memories with him keep you forever close to him.
I’m so sorry for your loss my deepest condolences to you and your family 💔😢🙏🙏🙏
I am so very sorry for your loss
Your husband was a very good Soul and now he is with our savior
May you find peace in your heart. You will find peace in your memories for sure
May he RIP 🙏
He was a great man and a great neighbor ..love , peace and big hugs to your whole family phyll, during this hard time❤️🌹🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼 love always Gary, Americo and Sedona
I am so sorry for your loss. There are no words that I can express to help with the pain, but I can let you know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. Cheryl Christensen
We are so saddened to hear of John’s passing.
We share in your sorrow. May you find comfort in your shared memories, and John’s love continue to guide you in the days ahead.
Sending healing thoughts and prayers .
Love Marcia and Stanley
Phyllis I’m so sorry to hear of the loss of your husband. My condolences and prayers are with you at this difficult time. 🙏
Love, Joan Dellacamera
Phyllis I’m so sorry for your loss.
My prayers and condolences are with you at this time. 🙏
Love, Joan Dellacamera
We are so saddened to hear of John’s passing.
We share in your sorrow. May you find comfort in the
wonderful memories you have together and may John’s love continue to guide you in the days ahead. We are keeping you in our thoughts with healing prayers.
Love,
Marcia & Stanley
Love you Dad❤️