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Paul Karpowich Obituary
Sgt. Paul D. Karpowich of Center Street, Bridgeport, Pa., died Dec. 21, 2004, in Mosul, Iraq, after a bombing attack on the mess tent where he had gone at lunchtime.
Born in Hazleton, Pa., he was a son of Richard Karpowich and Jacquelyn Getz. A 1992 graduate of Bishop Hafey High School, Hazleton, he continued his education at Luzerne County Community College, receiving an associate's degree in Architectural Design. While At LCCC, he was voted the architectural student of the year. Sergeant Karpowich also attended classes at Temple University, Philadelphia.
Sergeant Karpowich was the regional sales manager and a designer for Eyedesigns, Collegeville, Pa. He will always be remembered as a loving husband, son and brother, who was very devoted to his wife, Amanda, and all his family members. He cherished the American Flag and his country and held firmly to the beliefs for which they stood. Paul was also an avid hunter and fisherman. In 1992 he enlisted in the United States Army and was active for four years. Upon completion of this duty he joined the United States Army Reserves and ser~ved from 1996 until the present. On Oct. 6, 2004, he was deployed to Camp Atterbury for further deployment for Iraq Freedom. His decorations and citations include Army Service Ribbon, Parachute Badge, EIB Infantry Award, Good Conduct Medals (4), Army Achievement Medals (2), Army Reserve Commendation Achievement Medals (2), National Defense Medal, Combat Infantry Badge, Non-Commissioned Officer School Professional Development Ribbons (3), DS-IND Badge, Army Superior Unit Award, Purple Heart, and Bronze Star. Most recently he had been promoted to Master Sergeant.
Surviving are his wife, the former Amanda Gadola; father Richard Karpowich and wife Claire, Freeland; mother Jacquelyn Getz and husband Barry, Hazleton; brother Sergeant Phil Karpowich and wife Holly, stationed and living in Butzbach, Germany; sisters Mrs. Kristen Moore and husband Sergeant Nathaniel Moore, Freeland; Joanne Karpowich, McAdoo; a godchild, Nataleign; several nieces and nephews; many cousins; and constant companions, Zoe and Romel.
Funeral services with full Military Honors will be ~at 10 a.m. Friday in St. John Nepomucene Catholic Church, Freeland, commencing with a Mass of Christian Burial.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend visitation on Thursday from 5 to 9 p.m. in St. John Nepomucene Catholic Church, South and Vine streets, Freeland.
Memorial donations may be made to the Hazleton Animal Shelter, P.O. Box 481, Hazleton, PA 18201, or Horses and Horizons, Therapeutic Learning Center Inc., RD 2, Box 272, New Ringgold, PA 17960.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Paul Karpowich
Colin Amison
October 29, 2025
Didn´t see where I could upload an image before... I was able to take a field trip in 8th grade to DC. We went to Arlington. My teacher went above and beyond to help me leave the group and visit Karps grave. My father Ottice Amison served with him in the 82nd, 4/325. My first time I seen my father cry was looking at this picture. We were told about Karps story since day 1. AMERICAN HERO
Ottice Colin Amison
October 29, 2025
Father speaks very highly of you to this day. He mentions you every Memorial Day! Thank you Mr Karp! NEVER FORGET your sacrifice for this great nation. We will remember forever.
LTC STEPHEN VILE
November 15, 2018
I served with and knew Paul very well. He was a dear friend to me and he will never be forgotten. On that horrible day, I was in Samarra Iraq and I got the news about Paul who was in Mosul. I was absolutely devastated. I just wanted everyone to know that Paul was promoted to MSG posthumously. Paul May you Rest In Peace brother and until we meet again. God bless the youth hockey organization and what you are doing. Thanks for keeping Paul's memory going.
Charlie Gili
March 3, 2017
Hello,
We would like to express our deepest condolences and also let the Karpowich Family and friends know that we will be sending Care Packages to deployed troops this week and we'll be dedicating several of these to your loved one. Each package will carry the name, photo and the hometown of Paul D. Karpowich US Army Sergeant 1st Class. We realize that this is a small tribute, but we do this with all respect and sincerity and we want you to know that it is made possible by thousands of like-minded individuals from across the American youth hockey community. We will not forget. May God Bless you and keep you strong.
Sincerely,
Charlie Gili & Family
On Behalf of the US Hockey Players Support Our Troops Campaign
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Reeda Offutt
September 27, 2015
My name is Reeda Offutt. My uncle was Benjamin Karpowich. He served in the armyfor 27 years. I saw your son's name and that name is kind of rare and I was wondering if somehow he could be relative, he was born in New York. He married my aunt Annie Mae which was my Mom's sister. He is relative to me only by marriage. phone # is 602 789-4585 or face book Reeda Offutt or email [email protected] Thanks and I hope I didn't bother you.
Peggy Childers
December 22, 2011
To the family and friends of Sgt. 1st Class Paul D. Karpowich:
Please accept my remembrance of Paul on the anniversary of his passing and know that he will never be forgotten.
Peggy Childers
December 23, 2010
To the family and friends of Sgt. 1st Class Paul D. Karpowich:
Remembering Paul on the anniversary of his passing. May our fallen heroes never be forgotten!
Peggy Childers
www.IraqWarHeroes.org
Donna Gillette
December 26, 2009
On this day and with each day that we enjoy our freedom, I would like to give thanks and let you know that I do not take our troops for granted. May you experience God when you feel your loss.
Kenna Larra
August 4, 2009
”Honor and Remember” - “Project Compassion” We love our Soldiers! We love our country and we cannot express enough love and compassion to the families of our fallen heroes. War does not discriminate – It breaks our hearts to see the faces of the fallen. We want to give this gift to you. We are a 501c3 nonprofit organization! Over 1,660 portraits have been completed and shipped to the parents and or spouse - at no cost as this is a gift from one American to another!
Contact us directly at [email protected] or go to www.heropaintings.com . If you have already had a portrait completed, we pray that you are enjoying the portrait and God Bless You.
Sincerely and Respectfully,
Kenna
In Memory of Paul ~ (Debra Estep)
December 28, 2008
Holding you all in my thoughts and prayers.
The Wind on The Downs
“I like to think of you as brown and tall,
As strong and living as you used to be,
In khaki tunic, Sam Brown belt and all,
And standing there and laughing down at me.
Because they tell me, dear, that you are dead,
Because I can no longer see your face,
You have not died, it is not true, instead
You seek adventure in some other place.
That you are round about me, I believe;
I hear you laughing as you used to do,
Yet loving all the things I think of you;
And knowing you are happy, should I grieve?
You follow and are watchful where I go.”
(Written by Marian Allen during World War l )
Two lines that I wish you to keep near your heart…….
“You seek adventure in some other place.
That you are round about me, I believe”
I did not know Paul, but I am remembering
his service and sacrifice. He is my hero. !
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
The Other Side
i'm over on the other side
where life and death softly divide.
left my skin and bones behind
now i'm over on the other side.
can you feel me there with you?
my breath is gone but i'm not through.
loved you then and i still do
from over on the other side.
i can fly. really fly.
below the earth ... all through the sky.
tell em all i did not die.
i'm just over on the other side.
it's good here on the other side.
the sweetest songs...the bluest skies.
thank you for the tears you cried
but it's good here on the other side.
i can fly. really fly. below the earth...all through the sky.
tell em all i did not die.
i'm just over on the other side
the world is smaller than a needle's eye.
where life and death softly divide.
when you leave your skin and bones behind
i'll be waiting on the other side.
i can fly. really fly. below the earth ... all through the sky.
go tell em all i did not die.
i'm just over on the other side.
Song lyrics by Don Conoscenti
C Desert Muse/SESAC
www.donconoscenti.com
(Used with permission)
“I hope it brings great comfort to any and all.
Peace on you. DonCon” 4-2008
The Other Side –
(To hear the song)
http://tinyurl.com/3o8gol
Sincerely,
Deb Estep ~ Ohio
Proud Air Force Mom SSgt Vince – Lackland AFB
Proud Air Force MIL SrA Dana – Randolph AFB
Remembering The Fallen – Blog
http://tinyurl.com/3z8p55
Angel and soldier drawing I have shared here.
http://tinyurl.com/6gey8b
Peggy Childers
December 21, 2008
To the family of Sgt. 1st Class Paul D. Karpowich:
Paul gave the ultimate sacrifice and will be held in the hearts of Americans forever. I cannot and will not let our fallen heroes be forgotten. My deepest sympathy to you. "Some gave all."
Peggy Childers
"Don't Let The Memory Of Them Drift Away"
www.IraqWarHeroes.org
Christopher Harris
December 18, 2008
Paul and family,
I ran across this today, late December of 2008 and am saddened to learn of Pauls passing. I served with Paul at Ft. Bragg (4/325) from '92-'95...and the stories I could tell ya! Paul could run like the wind and smoke a cigarette right after our PT test, the incident with the motorcycle,....lol. We were all a bit crazy at the moment in life. Our trip to the mountains in the Generals van to do some climbing....sorry,..thinking about some of those times. He was a good friend to have in your circle, and his memory will never be forgotten. My deepest condolences. God Bless! I wish I had photos of any of the time we spent together at Bragg,....If there is anything at anytime that anyone in Paulies life needs, please do not hesitate to call me. (760)622-2062
John and Susan Lare
December 10, 2008
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
peggy christman
December 10, 2008
i am very sorry for your loss. and i am offering any kind of support i can.
GENE knelly, board of directors
December 8, 2008
Rolling Thunder Chapter 8 Pa. would like to thank this veteran for serving our country, for preserving our freedom worldwide, for your sacrifices in leaving your loved one and answering the call..You and your brothers will never be forgotten.
rollingthunderch.8pa.org
August 1, 2008
To the family and friends of Sgt. 1st Class Karpowich,
I am so sorry for your loss.
My name is Maggie Selzer, and I am directing ‘Run for the Fallen 5K run/walk’ in Boalsburg, PA (just outside of State College) on August 24th, 2008. The event, held on the PA military Museum grounds, aims to keep alive the memory of all fallen soldiers, but particularly those from PA. All proceeds from the event will go to organizations that support the families of fallen soldiers and supports wounded soldiers.
I encourage you to learn more about the event at www.freewebs.com/runforthefallen5k/
index.htm.
The event is meant to keep alive the memories of brave men and women like Sgt. 1st Class Karpowich.
If you have any questions, or would like to send a memory of Sgt. 1st Class Karpowich to be included with the flag memorial that will be set up at this event, please contact me at (814) 571-8755 or [email protected].
April 21, 2008
You are remembered and respected. Thank you Sgt 1st Class Karpowich!
Jim Huggett
November 29, 2007
God bless Paul, Amanda, the family and this incredible country - a beacon to the world. I knew Paul in the late 80's / early 90's as a teenager. His death will not be diminished or forgotten, and I offer prayers for his wife.
Artist colored pencil drawing of Paul done by his Aunt Judy
Judith Lutz
August 25, 2007
I will always hold the memories of you in a very special place in my heart. You were always willing to go that extra mile to help a needy soul. Your courage and love for life were a special gift that not many people are blessed with but God knew that you were strong enough to receive these gifts and to use them to help you fellow man. My love for you will always be strong like the love a mother has for her son, because I miss you as if I had lost my own son. I pray that God has you in a special place that only the best are given for you deserve nothing less. Love always, Aunt Judy
August 19, 2007
August 19, 2007
Paul's Wedding Day
August 19, 2007
August 17, 2007
There is nothing that I can say or do to take away the pain or bring you peace in your time of sorrow, but I will offer you and your family my heart felt condolences. I also offer you my prayers that in time the pain will easy and the memories of your HERO will carry you through each day and night. I want to thank your HERO, for his/her selfless act of becoming a member of the armed forces, his/her willingness to defend the United States of America, all that we hold sacred and for the sacrifice that will forever be etched in the memories of all those who knew him/her. Though tears can never bring him/her back, we hope that our tears express our gratitude for the sacrifice that he/she made and our sorrow at his/her passing. I believe for every fallen HERO there is a star shining brightly up above to remind us of the precious gift we were given.
Your mission on earth is complete and you are now a member of GOD’s Heavenly armed forces. Stand down brave warrior and take your rightful place in Heaven with all the HEROES who have passed before.
I made a special promise to LE RON A. WILSON, a dear family friend who joined the Army with three other friends, one of whom is my son (Le Ron was killed in action on 07/06/07 at the age of 18) on the day he was laid to rest as I touched his coffin, that I would never forget him nor would I forget those that gave their lives for our country before him, with him and after him and so when I came across www.legacy.com, I thought what a great way to keep my promise to Le Ron, so I will continue to leave tributes in each guest book until the day there is no longer the need to leave these tributes to a FALLEN HERO.
REST IN PEACE, HERO, YOU WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN!!
PROUD MOTHER OF A U.S. SOLDIER
Currently stationed in Germany
Althea Barrett(Queens, NY)
July 15, 2007
Thank you for the sacrifice made by Sgt 1st Class Karpowich and the sacrifice made by everyone who loves and misses him! May God bless all of you!!
Garnet Jenkins
December 21, 2006
Paying tribute to Sgt. 1st Class Paul D. Karpowich, on the 2nd anniversary of the day, he gave his life for our Country, with a Multitude of Thanks, for his Courage, Dedication and Service to our Country and for Freedom.
Rest In Peace Young Hero, in God's Hands and may God's Loving Peace and Comfort continue to be with the Karpowich family.
Those who Made the Ultimate Sacrifice, So Many and So Young, shall Never Be Forgotten, my brother among them. KIA-Vietnam 1967.
"I will lift up my eyes to the hills-
from whence comes my help?
My help comes from the Lord,
Who made heaven and earth."
Psalm 121:1-2
Sincerely hoping that you continue to feel the thoughts of caring and support that surround you each day, as this Country remembers someone very precious to you, who is a Hero to all of us.
I am so deeply sorry for your loss
ROBYN GARSIDE
November 12, 2006
MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND YOURS. I HAVE JUST LEARNED OF YOUR GREAT LOSS AND WISH TO EXPRESS MY DEEPEST CONDOLENCES. PLEASE KNOW THAT THERE ARE PEOPLE OUT HERE WHO DO CARE AND YOUR HERO WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN. HOLD TIGHT TO YOUR TREASURED MEMORIES THAT HIS SPECIAL SMILE MAY CONTINUE TO SHINE ON. I PRAY THAT PEACE WILL FIND YOU ALL SOMEDAY. GODSPEED AND SEMPER FI.
A PROUD MARINE MOM
Byron Barrios
October 18, 2006
To the Karps and Amanda: I think of all of you every day.
It has been almost two years since I lost you my brother, but everyday I think of you and how much you are missed. I talk to your mom every once in a while and she talks of you constantly. Your family is like my family, Jackie will always be Mother Karp to me and I will always appreciate how they welcomed me in. You are much loved and missed. Your BRO forever, Byron Barrios
Linda Flannery
June 11, 2006
My deepest sympathies to Sgt Karpowich's family and friends.
He will be remembered in my prayers, he is my hero.
My flag flies in his honor.
Charles Cunningham
January 28, 2006
My deepist regrets for the loss of paul. May your thoughts be of him in heaven waiting for his family and friends to be united. I served with paul in 1992 Fort Bragg N.C..I met the young and wild paul who loved rock climbing and motorcycles. I will always miss his love for life and country .I wish I was able to see Paul after I left in 1993 we lost contact. I truly am proud to have known a great hero. May God bless you all . Sincerely, Charles Cunningham.
Tom Gugliuzzas-Smith
December 15, 2005
My heartfelt sympathy to the Karpowich family in the loss of your dear son/brother/husband and hero Paul. I did not know your son, ( I lived in the Easton/Bangor PA area 50 yrs.) but my heart is broken and I am sadden for your loss of such a young man. May God bring you peace in your heart as you reflect on all the wonderful memories you hold so close. Please know that you are in my heart and prayers.
I send each of you a hug from my heart. It is almost one year since Paul's death and I hope that it will give you some comfort to know that I continue to pray for you and I remember Paul each day.
Love and Peace
Tom
To live in the hearts
of those you leave behind
is never to die"
~Robert Orr~
Tom Gugliuzzas-Smith
December 15, 2005
My heartfelt sympathy to the Karpowich family in the loss of your dear son/husband/brother and hero Pauld I did not know Paul, ( I lived in the Easton/Bangor PA area 50 yrs.) but my heart is broken and I am sadden for your loss of such a young man. May God bring you peace in your heart as you reflect on all the wonderful memories you hold so close. Please know that you are in my heart and prayers.
I send each of you a hug from my heart.
Love and Peace
Tom
To live in the hearts
of those you leave behind
is never to die"
~Robert Orr~
Michael Balas
January 23, 2005
Freedom is not free. There is a cost. Paul paid the ultimate price for freedom. He joined the military under volunteer status to serve his country in the belief of freedom. May GOD be with your family and the families and members still fighting for freedom all around the world.
From a 27 year Veteran still serving.
GOD bless America
Karen Kostanesky
January 23, 2005
Amanda and Paul's family,
I'm so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and with every soldier stationed in Iraq.
Donna Martin
January 22, 2005
I'm very sorry for your loss and you will be in my prayers, and may God Bless You. Donna Martin
Jim Hart
January 3, 2005
Amanda,
We were all devastated to hear of your great loss. If there is anything your Marywood family can do, please let us know.We are thinking of you.
With love and sympathy,
Jim
Mary Gerrity
January 1, 2005
Amanda, and Paul's Family,
I am SO SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS, I wish I could have BEEN THERE FOR ALL OF YOU.........Paul IS A HERO, and "IS" the reason that America is SO GREAT! " HE PERSONIFICATES IT!!!!!!! AMERICANS EVERYWHERE, are MOST GRATEFUL to HIM!
Please know Amanda..............
YOU ARE IN MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS........
Look to your WONDERFUL FAMILY.......
KNOW that YOU ARE LOVED, and the people that had the PRIVILEDGE of working with you, and knowing you and your sister, Heather while at Marywood.......are DEVASTATED by your loss.
My DEEPEST CONDOLESCENSES to YOU, and Paul's Family, and Your Family
Love,
Mary Gerrity
Mr. & Mrs. Michael A. LaRock
December 29, 2004
I am very sorry about the un forseen passing of Master Sgt. Paul Karpovich and I am very honor to be part of his ritual with the VFW & American Legion. I would like to thank him for serving our country.
Dawn LaRock-Sharrer
December 29, 2004
You always had a way of making people laugh and smile. In the worst situautions, you would just create laughter and comfort. You were a great person and I am honored to have known you and spent time with you in the growing up years. You will forever be remembered.
Nancy Connell
December 28, 2004
I just want to say that I was only recently introduced to Paul and his wife, Amanda, on October 6th, the day that Paul and my husband were boarding a bus for Camp Atterbury, Indiana, for their 40 day training period before deploying to Iraq. I instantly took a liking to both of them. At the end of that period Amanda and I went out for a 4 day visit with the guys and that's when I actually got to know Paul. I was instantly impressed by his intelligence, kindness, his sense of humor, and his fun loving manner. He and Amanda were just so much fun to be around and such a beautiful couple.....really great people. I can honestly say that I have never met another couple like them. I am deeply saddened by the loss of Paul and regret that I will never be able to get to know him better. I feel truly blessed and privileged to have had those 4 days to spend with him. He was an outstanding young man and soldier and I am proud to have known him, as is my husband, who is equally proud to have served with Paul in the Army Reserves.
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