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Gregory CARAS Obituary
News Death Notice
CARAS, Gregory S. "Greg" Age 86, of Dayton, died peacefully Friday, August 26, 2016 at The Hospice of Dayton. Greg was a graduate of Fairview High School; class of 1947 and then Miami University, where he was a member of Beta Theta Pi. He taught and coached for Dayton Public Schools, well known principal of Longfellow & Lincoln Schools and was voted Ohio's Principal of the Year by his peers in 1977. Greg later served as Chief Deputy Administrator of Montgomery County Probate Court under Judge George Gounaris. He loved his church and family, a lifelong member of The Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church, where he served on the Parish Council, former president and GOYA coach. Greg was bestowed the title of Archon of the Ecumenical Patriarchate. He was preceded in death by his parents, Sam & Helen Caras; and sister, Catherine. Greg is survived by the love of his life, his wife of 62 years, Maria; sons & daughters- in-law, Sam & Tammy (Schneider) Caras, George & Janie (Sachs) Caras; daughter & son-in-law, Cynthia & John Barron; brothers & sister-in-law, Lt. Col. Lou Caras of NV, Dr. Tom & Carole Caras of GA; sister & brother-in-law, Jodie & George Gianopulos; sisters-in- law, Charlene Nicholas & Marcina Hadjis; the joys of his life, his grandchildren Joseph & Gregory Mollica, Sydney & Gavin Caras; godsons, Bill Mokas, Stratin Fotos, Col. Jim Nickolas; host of nieces & nephews; relatives & friends. Greg will be remembered as an advocate for children, a champion for the disadvantaged and less fortunate and a man with a larger than life personality and sense of humor. Funeral service 10 AM Wednesday, August 31, 2016 at The Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church, 500 Belmonte Park North with Father Mark P. Emroll officiating. Interment Memorial Park Cemetery. The family will receive friends at Marker & Heller Funeral Home, Huber Heights Chapel, 5844 Old Troy Pike on Tuesday from 4-7 PM with Trisagion Prayers at 5 PM. If desired, memorial contributions may be made to The Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church Capital Improvement Fund in Greg's memory.
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Memories and Condolences
for Gregory CARAS
Sponsored by Marker & Heller Funeral Homes & Cremation Services - Huber Heights Chapel Huber Heights Chapel.
John DeMoss
August 22, 2022
Greg was an OUTSTANDING human being and lifelong educator, as was his son, George. Thank you...
John De Moss
August 22, 2020
GEORGE,
God bless your wonderful dad...may he eternally rest in peace...in the Greek equivalent of Valhalla...he was Spartacus!
--John De Moss, One of Coach Greg Caras' Fairview H.S. Dayton City Freshman Football Champion "Hamburgers..."
P.S. George, please give me a call sometime...your fellow Son of Pericles Pete Chakiris, 50+year teacher & coach @Brookville H.S. has my phone number & email address...
Randy Hix
September 9, 2016
It is with sadness in my heart that I offer my deepest condolences to Mr. Caras' family. Growing up I had heard lots of Great and Funny stories about him. You see he was my father's coach at Gettysburg elementary school. My Father loved Mr. Caras. When I was a senior at Meadowdale high school, I had to interview him at the probate court downtown for my American Government class. Mr Caras set aside time for me (out of his extremely busy schedule). I finally got to meet the great man behind all of the stories I had grown up with. After a brief introduction telling him who my father was (as well as the family name because he coached and taught quite a few of my Uncles and Aunts), I began my series of questions with this first question: " So Mr. Caras, do you have any dirt on my dad? ". "All my Aunts and Uncles told me he was a good kid growing up, but I need some dirt on him.", (just because I was NOT such a good kid myself). Mr. Caras just laughed and shook his head no, "Your dad was a very good kid". After that, he and I got started with the interview.
George Caras Jr. was one of my high school football coach at Meadowdale. Another great man, if I may add. I always thought it was kind of neat, that both my dad and myself were taught and coached by father and son of the Caras family.
God bless you all.
Sincerely Randy Hix and Hix family
September 6, 2016
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Kevin Ellis
September 6, 2016
You are a GIANT Mr. CARAS....YOU TRULY MADE A DIFFERENCE IN MY LIFE!!! One of your Longfellow students....RIH...GOD BLESS THE FAMILY!!!
Eric-Keith Ellis
September 6, 2016
I LOVED Mr. Caras as I'm sure all his students did !!! He was truly one in a million !!! He was kind, he was caring, he was humble, he was strict and he loved his students.I remember him quite fondly from my days at Longfellow Middle School (1972-1975)
I will always remember he was out there EVERY SINGLE morning and afternoon making sure we all crossed Salem Ave. safely and he was always smiling, laughing and joking with us. Over 40 years later, I remember his laugh and his wonderful sense of humor. May he rest in peace.
Philip Minella
August 31, 2016
Our condolences to the Caras family who my wife and I have known for years.
Dr & Mrs Philip Minella
August 31, 2016
You are one of the people who is never forgotten. You taught me to value friends and to be honest in everything I do. I carry you in my memory every day and will never forget you or the lessons you instilled in me. Thank you for all you did and for caring so much for all of us back in Gettysburg School. Your memory will live on in many ways.
Anita Gray
Greenville, Ohio
Pat & Spiro Karabalis
August 31, 2016
Our condolences to the Caras family for the passing of Mr. Caras. He was a great man and we will remember him always.
Vi and Denny Gump
August 31, 2016
Maria and family, both Denny and I are so sorry for your loss. Greg was the best teacher I could have ever had. He was my Science and Gym teacher back in the 60's at Gettysburg Elementary. It was so good seeing him at one of the Gettysburg reunions. He was loved by so many of his prior students.
He will surely be missed.
Chris & Christina Papakirk
August 30, 2016
Sending our condolences to the Caras Family. We fondly remember Mr. Caras cheerily greeting and helping people down the steps after church. May his memory be eternal.
Mike Rowe
August 30, 2016
As a student and team member at Gettysburg elementary in the 60s, Coach Caras stood out in my mind as the best!My condolences to the family and many friends of Coaches. He was a one of a kind guy that always had time to help, be it in the classroom or the gymnasium.You will be greatly missed Coach, but I know God has more work for you.RIP Coach Caras
Pia & Rosalee Kanistros
August 30, 2016
To all of the family of Greg Caras,
The world lost of one of it's greatest lights. Greg always greeted one with the best smile, pure joy and a wonderful blessing of his compassion and mirth. Truly a gentleman. He loved his family, friends, church,life, and people around him. He was such a god friend to my Father when he was ill, making his life more enjoyable. We will NEVER forget that kindness. He helped everyone after church greeting them and helping them down the steps to make sure they were safe.We will miss him terribly. God Bless him and may he be resting in the Arms of God, where you can take your place of honor among the righteous. Your memory will be eternal. May you be resting in peace, comfort and joy you so richly deserve. God be with your family during this time of loss. Greg was truly a very special gift to all around him.
Monique Redwine Evans
August 30, 2016
My condolences to the Caras family for your loss. Mr. Caras was my principal when I was at Longfellow Elementary in 1975-'78 and I can still vividly recall what a caring person he was and how he greeted us every day with such energy and enthusiasm, which was often punctuated by a big bear hug. What a great feeling it was for a kid to know that their principal cared so much. I'm sure that I'm just one of hundreds, perhaps thousands, of people that Mr. Caras positively impacted during his career and who still have fond memories of him decades later.
The Simopoulos Family
August 30, 2016
God Bless Him and the whole Caras family through this difficult time. My hart goes out to you All. May his memory be eternal.
Robert Davis, Jr.
August 30, 2016
Sending the Caras family my heartfelt sympathy in the passing of Mr. Caras...he was a great educator and an inspiration to all who knew him. I knew him as teacher and coach at Gettysburg School. May he rest in eternal peace.
Joanne Anderson
August 30, 2016
Maria,
I was so sorry to see of Mr. Caras's passing. He was wonderful boss to work for, as well as a kind and caring man! He will be missed by many! You an your family will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Sincerely,
Joanne Anderson
Former Probate Court Employee
Cheryl Williams ( nee Brown)
August 30, 2016
From one of your neighbors on Kenwood Ave. I'm so sorry for your loss. Sending hugs and prayers that you will be comforted during this time.
Kendall Kirksey
August 29, 2016
God Bless you Mr.Caras. Thank you.
August 29, 2016
TO THE CARAS FAMILY'
Greg was my gym teacher at Gettysburg school.he was one of the finest men and teachers i have ever known.
Much heartfelt felt sympathy
to all of you.
Carol G. Spurgeon Pack
Huber Heights, Ohio
Tom Branson
August 29, 2016
Prayers for the family of a great teacher and friend of all who ever sat in class with him.
Tom Branson
Gettysburg Class of '66
Raymond aka Roach Muchmore
August 29, 2016
So very sad. He was and always will be a great man.
August 29, 2016
Celebrating a life well lived. We will cherish the memories forever.
August 28, 2016
My Ol' Coach Caras literally made this world a better place in which to grow up & live. He was an INSPIRATION to all those whom he mentored; with whom he met & knew. Coach's sense of humor & positive mental attitude were contagious & infectious.
Coach, YOU were a winner and were OUR champion. Thank you beyond words for everything you did & were. Condolences & best wishes to the entire Caras Family--let your just pride, eternal gratitude, & indelible memories help assuage your feelings of loss. Someday we will all be together again...the good Lord willing...R.I.P. Dear ol' friend...
John De Moss [email protected]
One of Coach Caras' Fairview H.S Freshman Football Championship "Hamburgers", 1962.
Scottsdale, AZ
Shevel
August 28, 2016
Mr Caras will be GREATLY MISSED!! He was my PRINCIPAL over 40 years ago and he was the BEST. He had a BIG HEART!!!!!! RIH
August 28, 2016
Please know that I am just heart broken because this man was bigger than life to me. I will never forget my friend. I will look for him one day in heaven.
Wendi Miyahara johnson
August 28, 2016
My sympathy to the Caras family
Mr. Caras was a wonderful man and principal to me at Longfellow, class of 79/80
Heaven has gained a true Angel
God Bless
August 28, 2016
Even though I didn't make it to the reunions at Little York Tavern it was so good to see pictures of you enjoying all there that shared their memories with you. You were such a special gym teacher(that's what we called it back then) and stand out in my fond memories of Gettysburg school. Prayers for the family.
Cheryl Comer Medley
August 28, 2016
One of the BEST principals I ever had, Rest in Heaven Mr. Caras.
Jeffrey Arnold
Longfellow '76-'78
Karen Laughhunn
August 28, 2016
I have such fond memories of Mr. Caras as my gym teacher at Gettysburg and was then fortunate enough to meet up with him again when his son, George Caras, became the principal at the school where I was teaching first grade. He still lit up the room with his smile and and engaging personality. To George and Family: I am so sorry for your loss. He was one of a kind and will be missed by many people.
Larry AKA Hamburger Browett
August 28, 2016
I had you as a teacher at Gettysburg, was called a hamburger more times that I can count, but you always knew he cared about you. Awesome role model, mentor and teacher, I have so many pleasant memories of being in his class. May you rest in peace, your mission here is done we will do our best to pass on what you taught us to others. BTW you never knew BUT I am now a science teacher in our local high school after 27 years of being a FF/Para. you were my inspiration. Thank you!
Having fun with Mr Caras at the reunion!
Sheryl Davis-Dear
August 28, 2016
Having fun with Mr Caras! Love this guy!
Sheryl Davis- Dear
August 28, 2016
Anthony Vradelis
August 28, 2016
Maria; so sorry for your loss. Grey was quite a guy, full of life and boundless energy and he always greeted you with a smile.
May God bless and protect him in his journey through eternal lfe.
Karmen and Tony Vradelis
Sheryl Davis-Dear
August 28, 2016
I was fortunate to have Mr Caras as my gym teacher, science teacher and home room in 7th grade! He was a larger than life presence and in his career touched so many lives including mine! He made a difference and was special in so many ways.
Fondly remembered. Forever in our hearts!
Shawn Foley
August 28, 2016
You taught me more than any other teacher in Gettysburg Elementary grade school. You taught me values - ones I still use today. You will be missed but not forgotten.
Showing 1 - 37 of 37 results
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30
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Marker & Heller Funeral Homes & Cremation Services - Huber Heights Chapel5844 Old Troy Pike, Dayton, OH 45424
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