Abraham Karnofsky Obituary

Karnofsky, Abraham ''Sonny'' 92, was born on September 22, 1922 in Oxnard, CA and died January 9, 2015 at his home in Galt. Sonny, son of the late Harry and Jennie Karnofsky, passed away peacefully in his home after an unprecedented two and a half year fight against stage IIIB lung cancer. He is survived by his wife Betty, children Howard, Janice (Bob), and Harlan. He is also survived by grandchildren Erin (Sean), Jordan, Rachel, and Dara. Karnofsky was raised in Arizona, playing football for U of A before joining the Coast Guard and Merchant Marines at the onset of WWII. After the war, he was invited to try out for the NFL's Philadelphia Eagles and wore jersey #40 in the 1945 season. He would go on to play for the Boston Yankees in 1946 before returning to Sacramento to start a family. In the late 40's he took ownership of his father-in-law's company, Del Paso Pipe and Steel, which his son Harlan continues to run. After retirement, Karnofsky spent his days playing golf with his best friends, but nothing brought him more joy than spending time with his family. The family would like to give a special thank you to his amazing nurses, Pam and Marion, from Mercy Cancer Center. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, January 13 at Home of Peace Jewish Cemetery at 6200 Stockton Blvd. at 11 am. In lieu of flowers, the family asks to send any donations to the Mercy Hospice Program of Sacramento.

Published by The Sacramento Bee on Jan. 13, 2015.
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I am so sorry for your loss. Although I never met him we were cousins and we did have a few conversations on the phone. He was so nice and helpful with the questions I had regarding our family history while researching the Spector family.

Meryl Rizzotti

January 19, 2015

Harry and I grieve with the entire family, this is a horrible loss for all of us. We send our love to all of you, Howard, Harlan, Jan & Bob, Jordan, Dara, Erin & Sean, and Rachel too.

Harry & Linda Karnofsky

January 14, 2015

My deepest sympathy for Harlan and family. Losing a Father, and especially such a good one, there are no words.

Bill Spurgin

January 13, 2015

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