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Frederick N. Karaffa, M.D.
GRANVILLE: A memorial service celebrating the life of Frederick N. Karaffa, M.D., 81, of Granville will be held Sunday, March 2, 2014 at 3:00 P.M. at St. Luke's Episcopal Church, 107 E. Broadway, Granville with the Rev. Stephen H. Applegate as celebrant. A private graveside service will be held at Maple Grove Cemetery in Granville with full military honors rendered by the Licking County Veterans Alliance.
Dr. Karaffa died Thursday, February 27, 2014 at Kendal at Granville. He was born in Steubenville, Ohio November 4, 1932 to the late Nicholas J. and Mary Mosiejewski Karaffa.
A music major and member of Sigma Chi and the music fraternity, Mu Phi Epsilon, Fred graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University in 1954 and entered the U.S. Air Force. He attained the rank of Captain and served as a navigator with the Strategic Air Command, Air Refueling Squadron. Upon his discharge, he returned to Ohio Wesleyan and completed his pre-med courses before graduating from The Ohio State University, College of Medicine in 1963.
In 1964, after an internship at Grant Hospital, Dr. Karaffa served the Granville community in private family practice for 24 years. During this time he also served on the Licking County Board of Mental Health, Board of Education for Granville Schools, and as Senior Warden of St. Luke's Episcopal Church. He was also the Medical Director of Newark Healthcare for 30 years. Upon completion of a fellowship in addiction medicine, Dr. Karaffa became the Medical Director of Shepherd Hill. He started "Ask The Doc", a program free of charge each Saturday, to help others gain knowledge and understanding about the chronic, progressive nature of chemical dependency. His dedication to helping others resulted in his being presented with several awards including a Certificate of Appreciation by Governor Bob Taft in 2001 and was also recipient of a 50 Year Award from the Ohio State Medical Association.
An accomplished violinist, Dr. Karaffa began performing during his high school years with the Wheeling Symphony. He would later play with the Columbus Symphony, Central Ohio Symphony, Capital Bexley Community Orchestra, and the Licking County Symphony, where he served as Concert Master for 24 years. He shared his love of music with many, most especially his wife. He enjoyed piloting his own plane, motorcycles, and cars, including his favorite 1976 Cadillac Convertible. Much of his leisure time was spent at the family's vacation home at Hilton Head Island.
Surviving are his wife of 58 years, Jane (McCommon) Karaffa; children, Robert J. Karaffa, Susan Karaffa, and Emily Karaffa; grandchildren, Nicholas Frederick Schweizer, Lauren Jane Karaffa, and Alexander Scott Karaffa; great granddaughter, Autumn Elise Karaffa-Sartin; and one sister, Joan Gresick.
The family will receive friends from 2 to 4 P.M. Saturday, March 1, 2014 at the McPeek-Hoekstra Funeral Home in Granville. Online condolences may be expressed at www.mcpeekhoekstra.com
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Luke's Episcopal Church, P.O. Box 82, Granville, OH 43023.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Dr. Karaffa was always so kind to me. He will be missed. Deepest sympathies to friends & family.
Jane K
March 20, 2014
Jane,
So sorry to hear of Fred's passing. I well remember the long nights of study that he, Jon C. and I spent at your home during our med school years. Fred had a full and rewarding life and will be remembered with fondness. Our prayers are with you and your family, Jane. -- Roger Case, Oak Harbor, WA.
March 6, 2014
Dear Jane,
I am so sorry for your loss. Fred was a great man and we will all miss him.
Ric Bolton
March 4, 2014
Love,Shari K Lenar
March 4, 2014
Dear Jane and Family,
We are sorry to hear of Fred's passing. We saw it on our email while we are visiting in Washington state. Fred was a good friend in medical school and a good physician. Our sincerest sympathies, Jon and Paula Cooperrider, Loudonville, Ohio
Jon Cooperrider
March 3, 2014
I have many fond memories of Cousin Fred, growing up and vacationing with him, and his sister Joan, along with my seven siblings, in my hometown of Toronto, Ohio, his hometown of Steubenbville, Ohio, and later after our family moved to Brockway, Pa.
We all loved "Skippy," as he was known to most who knew him in his youth, and even into adulthood. He didn't mind that we called him "Dr. Skip."
I often saw/heard him practice diligently and faithfully on his violin, sometimes with his wonderful mother, Aunt Mary, accompanying him on the piano. There's no wonder he became an accomplished violinist!
I know he was an outstanding doctor, loved by all of his patients, and those on the medical staffs wherever he served!
May Dr. Fred rest in peace...and, Jane, Susan, Bobby, Emily, Grandchildren and Cousin Joan, may God comfort, console and bless you in your time of great sorrow. I feel so sad, too.
We're all going to miss Dr. Skip.
C.P. "Doc" Adams
March 3, 2014
My thoughts and prayers are with your family!
~ Kelley Morris (Mack's Mom)
Kelley Morris
March 3, 2014
Amber Fannin
March 2, 2014
always such a gentleman, he will be missed.
Lylea McGuire
March 2, 2014
Fred was one of my alltime favorite human beings. I was honored to work with him for the Ohio Physicians Health Program for 10 years. He was an outstanding educator on alcohol and drug addiction for both health care professionals and the lay public. He never met a stranger. He also gave countless hours for many years to the impoverished people of Haiti through the Healing Art Missions of Granville. He is missed! My prayers are with Jane and family.
Robert Clinger
March 2, 2014
There is always going to be an empty chair at the medical society meeting without Fred. There are so many funny things that you said that I would remember forever. Thank you for the many years of dedicated service to the community. We are going to miss you. My condolence to Jane and family members.
Owen Lee
March 1, 2014
As our family Physician, DR. karaffa was always wonderful to us. He saved my daughters life when she was diagnosed with Hodgkins Disease. May God bless you and your family at this time.
March 1, 2014
Jane and family--
Mike and I were so saddened when we heard the news of Dr. Karaffa's passing. He was a special man. I loved the years that I worked with him and will always remember him fondly.
Sharon and Mike Hauser
Sharon Hauser
March 1, 2014
Dr. Karaffa was an extraordinary family physician and person. He combined medical knowledge & skill with a high degree of humanity. Fred went beyond what most physicians are willing to do for their patients. In caring for his patients he exhibited a great deal of empathy and kindness. He had the capacity to understand the pain, stress and difficulties patients with serious illnesses faced, and was willing to do a great deal to address these and help to alleviate them. He was a great role model for other physicians in the art of healing. As Fred's patients, we feel privileged to have been treated by him, and to have known him. Our most sincere condolences to Jane and the Karaffa family. May your good memories help sustain you through these difficult times. Sincerely, Rochelle & Jules Steinberg
Rochelle & Jules Steinberg
March 1, 2014
Dr. Karaffa was first my doctor, he was someone that I trusted. Within time I got to work with him and got to be friends with him. He was always so giving and caring. It was truly an honor to know him and be apart of his life. He will be greatly missed.
My heart goes out to you and your family.
Mandy Thompson
March 1, 2014
R.I.P. DR. KARAFFA YOU WAS ONE GREAT MAN AND DR.
LINDA EVANS
March 1, 2014
I was a young driver for B&L Motor Freight when I contacted Hepatitas (pardon my spelling) and Dr. Karaffa treated me at the old Newark Hospital. He was not much more than out of internship, and he was the most gentle, kind person I've ever known. I thank God for him taking such good care of me. If I would have stayed in Licking county I would have had him for my doctor ever since.
Douglas Sheets Sr.
March 1, 2014
So sorry for your loss . What a wonderful Dr and person to know I worked a little while with him at lmh, always smiling and he lit up the office when he came in he will be greatly missed. RIP Dr Fred
Barb Johnson
March 1, 2014
Sorry for your loss emily god bless your family take care
Rob HOOD
February 28, 2014
Dear Jane,
I am so sorry to welcome you into our ranks.
I am in Costa Rica, but I'll be in touch when I return in April. Perhaps we can get together for lunch at your convenience.
Love, June Nickerson
June Nickerson
February 28, 2014
R.I.P. Dr. Karaffa. What a great person. I worked at Newark Healthcare and always had great respect for him as a physician and person.
Melissa Turnbill
February 28, 2014
Our condolences to Jane and the Karaffa family. Fred was a wonderful man and his support of the arts in Licking County made our community a better place. He will be missed.
Randall and Denise Lamb
February 28, 2014
Offering my condolences and hoping that you find comfort in knowing that God is near to us when our hearts are broken.
February 28, 2014
My deepest sympathy to Jane and the Karaffa family. Fred was a wonderful, caring human being who will be greatly missed.
Leslie Maaser
February 28, 2014
My sympathy to all his family. I was the Administrator at Newark Healthcare Centre and worked with him as Medical Director, I alway enjoyed his weekly visits. After moving to FL I never had a Medical Director like him. He was a special person.
Maraleita Jackson
February 28, 2014
doc saved my leg a wile back ago I give him my thanks is a great doc
debbie bagent miller
February 28, 2014
A true Gentleman, I loved working with him at LMH, he was kind and caring to all he met, he was just a great guy. Rest in peace Dr Fred.
Patty camp
February 28, 2014
My deepest sympathies to the Karaffa Family. Dr. Karaffa was the best. If not for him I would not be writing this note. He saved my life and many others in the community. Thank you Dr. K! You will forever live among us…
February 28, 2014
He was a great person. He was always so happy when he made rounds at LMH. Was great to everyone. He will be missed.
Linda Perkins
February 28, 2014
Jane and Bob
mother kept me posted on Freds illness. I am so sorry.. he was such a nice man and kind to me always.. my love and prayers are with you
Judy Cooke
February 28, 2014
Dear Jane, Bob, Susan, Emily - and Cousin Joan. From the earliest years of my life in nearby Toronto, Ohio, the times spent with "Skippy" (as his mother and we cousins called him in those early days) have left me with many happy memories. I feel privileged to have had such a good and accomplished cousin and friend as Dr. Fred, who, in turn, had been blessed with loving and proud parents of happy memory, Nicholas and Mary Karaffa.
So long, Skip, and thanks for having made the world a better place for many people through your talents, service, advice, and loving care - all delivered with an exquisite sense of humor. 'Til we meet again.
Tom Adams
February 28, 2014
I have wonderful memories of not only being a patient of his, but also of being a nurse at LMH during the time that he practiced there. He will be sorely missed by all. Thoughts and prayers are with all of you .
Nancy Geiger
February 28, 2014
I WILL MISS HIS VOICE, HE WOULD SAY "HI THERE"
CHERYL MYERS
February 28, 2014
I have fond memories of our years of playing fiddles together in the symphony for so many years. We had lots of laughs!! He was a fantastic family doctor to us all and a cherished and contributing member of the community. I will miss him...
February 28, 2014
He was a wonderful man. I babysat for the kids when I was in high school and always enjoyed talking to Dr. Karaffa when he would pick me up and take me home. Joanie Myers
February 28, 2014
All of the medical and addiction treatment community respected him, and he and his family will be in the thoughts and prayers of all of us.
miles drake
February 28, 2014
A great neighbor and friend for many years. Fred will be sadly missed but fondly remembered.
Vince Hitt
February 28, 2014
In memory of Dr. Karaffa. We will miss you. The staff at Shepherd Hill
February 28, 2014
Sorry to hear if his passing. It broke my heart. I loved working with him at LMH. He will be missed. Thinking of your family..
Tracy Beardsley
February 28, 2014
Our deepest condolences to Jane , Bob, Susan and Emily for the loss of our dear friend Fred. Our community will not be the same without his many contributions. May God bless all of you and bring you peace and solace knowing that Fred affected many, many people throughout his life.
Bob Kaczor and Connie Gelfer
Robert Kaczor
February 28, 2014
Dr Freddie was a wonderful doctor as well as a good friend to his patients.
Peggy and Dwight Zahrndt
February 28, 2014
A truly wonderful,funny man who always made me smile. He will be missed but always loved.
Sabrina Gillespie
February 28, 2014
Very kind and wise Dr. Will miss your smile for sure. Was a pleasure to have worked with you. Prayers to your Family.
Trina Shepherd
February 28, 2014
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