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Edward Karas Obituary

Edward James Karas, beloved husband of Lucy, nee Sanchez, and the late Jorjean Ellen; proud father of James Arthur (Krystyna), Edward James II (Jill) and step daughter Jasmine; loving grandfather of Eliana, Emilie, Brooke, Carlie, Jackie, Jesus, and Zion. Past Commander Chicago Fireman's Post 667 American Legion; Chief Chicago Civil Defense 477; Rosemont Public Safety Auxiliary Captain 604/183; Retired Machinist-City of Chicago Water Dept. "Water 1". Visitation Tuesday, Sept. 27, 1 to 9 p.m., at Malec and Sons Funeral Home, 6000 N. Milwaukee Ave., Chicago. Funeral Service Wednesday, 10 a.m., at the funeral home. Interment Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery. In Lieu of flowers, we request donations to be made to the The Fire Chaplain's Ministry Fund, 1140 W. Jackson Blvd., Chicago, IL 60607. Funeral info: malecandsonsfh.com, or 773-774-4100.

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Published by Chicago Tribune on Sep. 26, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for Edward Karas

Not sure what to say?





Bob Walters

September 24, 2012

Eddie, Thanks for the memories

brian hanson

September 20, 2012

best friend ever

brian hanson

February 14, 2012

still thinking of you evryday cap

Scott McCallum

January 25, 2012

Jimmy and Eddie I am sorry for you loss. Its been a long time but I sill have very good memories of your father growing up. He was a great man you should be proud. I miss you guys take care.

Jeff Latall

November 22, 2011

To the entire Karas Family, all of his friends and Brothers and Sisters in the Fire and Police Services. I share in your grief and sorrow and pass on my deepest sympanthy and condolences. I just learned yesterday of Eddie's passing. I was a long time friend growing up with Eddie in Chicago and we spent countless hours listening to the CFD Radio Frequencies, Fire Buffing/Fanning and taking in as many Still and Boxes and Extra Alarms we could. I buffed and rode with Snorkel Squad 1 and Eddie would hang out with Engines 57 and 111 and Truck 28. We had a passion for the Fire Service, it was in our blood and the passion remains today. We had a lot of fun in the good old days of the CFD. I joined the Navy and Eddie joined the Marines, but we still remained friends and stayed in contact with each other on an annual basis. Everytime I was in Chicago, Eddie and I would get together and tip a couple and chase a few Fires too. We were close friends for over 46 years. May you RIP, my Brother and Friend and Semper Fi Marine! Walter J. (Jeff) Latall, Lieutenant, U. S. Navy (Retired) and Chicago Fire Department's # 2 Fire Fan, Eddie was always #1!

Laurie Dietz

October 30, 2011

Capt....my stomach is sick...I'm so sorry I did not know until JUST now. Thank you for being such a WONDERFUL neighbor & friend. You will NEVER be forgotten for ALL the wonderful things you had done for so very many people.

I will miss you my friend, keep an eye on me from above k? See ya in church!!

Laurie ;~)

Randy Lehman

October 5, 2011

To the family of Edward Karas. Please accept my sincerest condolences and deepest sympathy. It is with great sadness that I learn of Ed’s untimely passing. Ed greatly served his country and the people of Illinois well and he will be missed by many.

loved playing host :)

Suzanne Cangialosi

September 29, 2011

Jimmy and Eddie, What a terrible shock, I am so sorry for your loss. Your father's stories and memories will live on within us for many years.

MICHAEL MALKOV

September 28, 2011

NO WORDS CAN SAY HOW MUCH ED WILL BE MISSES.HE WAS A GREAT MAN FRIEND. HE WILL BE THE GUARD AT THE THE GATE TO HEAVEN .I WILL MISS HIM

Ofc. Michael Kelly

September 28, 2011

It was with great sadness that I heard the news. Eddie had a great impact on my life as I'm sure he did on many others. He was a great inspiration. His legacy and training will live on forever through those fortunate enough to have known him.

Michael Bonome

September 28, 2011

I enjoyed working with Chief Karas during my time with EPDS, My prayers and condolences are with the entire Karas Family.

Bob Ciulla

September 28, 2011

I am out of town on business and I wish I can extend my sincere condolences in person to the entire Karas family. Your dad will be missed, BUT he has left us all with great memories.

Timothy Murphy

September 27, 2011

I am so sorry for your loss Karas family. Papa Bear Karas was a good friend and mentor to me. What great memories! Our thoughts & prayers are with you.
Tim Murphy & family

Karl Leszkowicz

September 27, 2011

My time working with Captain Karas will never be forgotten, thank you Captain for everything and my condolences to the Karas family. Rest in Peace

TONY DIORIO

September 27, 2011

THERE ARE NO WORDS TO SAY HOW MUCH EDDIE WILL BE MISSED I FEELTHAT A GREAT MAN HAS LEFT US TO SOON GOD SPEED BOSS

brian hanson

September 27, 2011

to the karas family , ed karas was the best rosemont had to offer on the force ,he was a good friend teacher father , husband , hero to us all . sorry for yourloss . love brian hanson

Chris M

September 27, 2011

To the entire Karas family I offer my condolences. I had the pleasure of working with then Sgt. Karas in Rosemont and more recently with Division 20. He offered his guidance to us young guys and always made us laugh. He will be missed.

Norm Volpe

September 27, 2011

Semper Fi Chief Thanks,Sparky

Wally WENZEL

September 27, 2011

Ed was a pleasure to work with and for during my years with EPDS both on Wells St & 43rd St

Mike Walsh

September 27, 2011

In one of the previous posts on this guestbook someone said of first meeting Ed "Who was this guy?".To his children and grandchildren, his legacy to you is who he was to so many people, He loved helping people, & the people who help people. When you first met him, you couldn't help but, like him. No matter what was going on, He was there to help you through it. The world would be a better place if there were more like him.

Godspeed Ed. And blessings to his family.

Mike Walsh, Rosemont Public Safety Dept. Retired

Karen Purnell

September 27, 2011

I am sorry for your loss and your family will be in my prayers.

You always did the right thing -SEMPER FI

September 27, 2011

Rest In quiet peace.


A old Friend Sparky Norm Volpe EPDS

Norm Krumwiede, Captain Retired Rosemont Public Safety

September 27, 2011

Ed Karas was a "good, fair, and jovial" man and supervisor. It was a pleasure to have worked with him for many years at events in Rosemont. He will be missed by me and all who worked for him or with hiim. My sincere and heartfelt sympathies to his family.

Gary Altwasser

September 27, 2011

Fairwell brother and Chief. You served the City of Chicago well as Chief of Chicago Civil Defence/Chicago Fire Dept.- E.P.D.S. Your dedication will NEVER be forgotten. It was a pleasure to serve under your command.

Officers & Members - Wells St & 43rd St. Company Qtrs.

Gary Hopkins retired chief

September 27, 2011

Ed was a great guy and a good friend.I always enjoyed working with Ed,and most of the time it was under the most miserable conditions,Ed had a way of always making thing seem better.My condolences to the family.

JOHN VAN SCHAIK

September 27, 2011

You will be greatly missed.

September 27, 2011

To the Karas Family

Ed was one of the good guys,he wil be missed. Im sorry I cant attend his Funeral,Im in the Hospital my self,my wife is doing the entry for me.

A great guy that we all will remember>


Jack Christopher

James Dean

September 27, 2011

My most sincere condolences to the Karas family. I first met Ed when he was at the Shops. My first impression "who was that guy" as he flew around there taking care of everything he could. He knew my Dad well and we imediately became friends, many years ago. I think the term "one of a kind" was made to describe Ed. Always on the go, and definitely never at a loss for words. Anyone who ever needed a favor knew where to go to get it. Whether it was Fire Dept, Legion, Police Dept or just friends he was there doing good for someone. I am heartbroken that he has left us way too early. I will miss my friend forever as will everyone who had the honor of knowing him.

Randy Smith

September 27, 2011

Ed was a good friend and we shared a lot of fun times together, he will be missed but stories about him will go on for ever

Leslie W. Koch

September 26, 2011

To the Chief Karas family:My deepest condolences.Your father will be deeply missed by all.His leadership,knowledge, and friendship that he expressed to all will be missed.When the name Eddie Karas came up at a gaethering,incident or just in passing you knew knowledge,winsdom and leadership was present.I am proud to have known and served under Chief Edward Karas at 43rd. Street and will miss him deeply.

Bob Walters CD & CFD Retired

September 26, 2011

To the Karas Family,
Ed was a great friend from the time I first met him at CD on Wells St. The countless repairs he managed on fire co's I was assigned to in Chicgo. I really feel blessed to have been able to see Ed when I was in Chicago this past May. The sadness at his untimely passing will last a long time. My thoughts and prayers go out to the entire Karas Family. Rest in Peace brother.

Mark Giegoldt and Family

September 26, 2011

Our thoughts and prayers to the entire Karas family. Ed will be missed by many, but he us left many good memories. God Bless.

Scott Stewart

September 26, 2011

Chief Edward J. Karas. Sir, It was an honor to serve with you as a Squadman of the Chicago Civil Defense Fire & Rescue Unit and then onto the Chicago Fire Department E.P.D.S. Unit. Your leadership as a Company officer and Chief officer was in one word "OUTSTANDING" I salute you for your dedication to the citizens of Chicago, for a job well done. Now Return To Quarters & Rest in Peace 3-3-5 - 4-7-7

Ken Falk

September 26, 2011

Mostly, we met on fires on very cold nights and very hot days. You were always there to add your humor and wit to any situation. Yoiu helped me and my Canteen guys on countless occasions. Now it's time for your salute! Rest in peace.

Chief Ken Falk

September 26, 2011

Ed has been a great friend to me and my family, although in recent years we havent kept in touch, He was a good friend in the past. We'll miss him
Joe and roni Peterson

September 26, 2011

The expression "Life is too short" applies here. Ed was a true friend and leader. I am proud to have worked with him. To the Karas family, my sincere condolences. I am glad he was able to attend the reunion and be surrounded by everybody who loved him.
Rest in peace Ed. Mike Kerins

September 26, 2011

Ed and I were friends for many years. He will be missed by all of those who knew him. He was always there for everyone. My condolences to the family on their loss and may he rest in peace..God Bless ...Charlie Tannehill..CFD..Ret.

September 26, 2011

Please accept my condolences and deep sympathy on the loss of Eddie. He had a huge heart and was always the first in line to lend a hand to those in need.

Julianne Pierce Joyce

Cheryl and Nancy klebenow

September 26, 2011

To the family of Edward Karas, Our thoughts and prayers go out to the entire Karas Family. We know he will be missed by all.

Mary Schmitt

September 26, 2011

ED and Family,My Prayer are with you at this time of sorrow. Mary Schmitt CCSD ret.

Jim pack

September 26, 2011

So sorry for your loss. It was an honor to work with your dad.. He was always there when you needed something I learned alot from him. He will never be forgotten

Judy Johnson

September 26, 2011

Love and memories live forever. May they bring you peace during this difficult time. xo xo

joe murray

September 26, 2011

To Ed & Family;
It was my pleasure to have known and been a 'friend of 'You and your Mom & Dad'.May You all Rest in PEACE
Joe Murray CFD ret.

Steve Patnou

September 26, 2011

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

jack gleason

September 25, 2011

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Dave Frederick

September 25, 2011

May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.

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