Karil Vangeloff

VANGELOFF KARIL, Karil Vangeloff - A True American Patriot, a choice spirit of God, departed with the setting sun, on Thursday, January 30, 2003 at the age of 78 in the arms of his wife and family members. He leaves behind his most priceless treasures: His eternally loving wife, Shirley Stringham Vangeloff and their seven precious children: Karl-John 22, Erik 20, Kosta Rae 18, Raina Joanne 17, twins Kyler Lund and Kyra Del 15, and Sterling Kane 9. Karil was born in Cincinnati, Ohio on July 24, 1924 to Macedonian immigrants Raina Damianova and Kosta Vangeloff. His family moved to Detroit, Michigan when he was four. At the age of eight, during the depression, his father died, leaving him, his mother and his three young siblings almost penniless. In order to help support the family, Karil worked selling newspapers, shining shoes and as an alter boy. At this tender age, his incredibly strong work ethic had begun. With great love for his country, Karil enlisted in the Air Force, where he flew missions over China during World War II. Having honorably and courageously served his country as the front gunner on a Flying Tiger named "The Joker" he came home a medal-honored serviceman. His patriotism for and dedication to America remained an all-important part of his life, and that of his family. Even 53 years later, Karil arranged for a reunion of the remaining crew members who had flown with him. Returning home after the war, Karil took a job as a taxi cab driver and, after being held up three times, wisely switched to dispatching. Within a short time, he became an Oldsmobile car salesman. Because of his honesty, integrity and hard work, the owner gave Karil the opportunity to buy his own dealership in Detroit. He later opened up a family restaurant called "The Dinner Bell." During the next several years, with a keen business sense and the handclasp of Colonel Sanders, Karil was given the outskirts of Detroit as a territory in which to develop Kentucky Fried Chicken restaurants and soon became known as "The Kentucky Fried Chicken King of Detroit." Karil Vangeloff always had a liking for the theatrical arts. In 1979, he and Jerry Grant produced a successful musical revue. "Showplace Theater" at The Marco Polo Hotel. Following that, they pioneered the sound and look-a-like concept with the hit show "Copacabana" at the Newport Hotel in 1982. Their other shows included "The Hit Parade Singers" at the Hallandale theater and Jackie Mason at the Attaché. "A kind person and an astute businessman, he will be a loss to the entertainment community." Karil was introduced to the world of thoroughbred horse racing. In Chicago, Detroit, New York and South Florida, he soon became a successful horse owner, winning many handicap and stakes races. Like his thoroughbred horses, Karil's life was a glorious race to the finish line. A kind and gentle man of character with great compassion and love for the lord, his infinite generosity benefited family, friends and countless charities. Always remembering his roots and faith, Karil bought the land for and help build St. Paul's Orthodox Cathedral in the Detroit neighborhood where he grew up. He will be dearly missed by Louise Pargoff, a beloved daughter from his first marriage, her husband Chris and their two children, Nicole and Mathew who called their grandfa ther "Bakka." He is also survived by his devoted brother, George, and sister, Virginia of Michigan, adoring mother-in-law Della Stringham of Salt Lake City, brother-in- law and friend Dr. Phil Stringham, sisters-in-law Mary Cottam, Audrey Brady, and Marjorie Stringham, along with countless other family members. Dearest of friend and hard working partner in business is Norman Masters who was with him just hours before he passed away. He held Joanne Jackson and Ed Wingate close to his heart. He will be greatly missed by all those lucky enough to have known and loved him. Viewing will be held at Baird-Case at Jordan-Fannin Funeral Home, 4343 North Federal Highway, Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, on Monday, February 10th from 6:00-8:00p.m., and on Tuesday, February 11th from 2:00-4:00 p.m. and 6:00-8:00 p.m. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, February 12th at 12:00 noon, at Christ Church, 4845 Northeast 25th Ave. Ft. Lauderdale (954 771-7300). Immediately following the funeral service, internment will be held at Our Lady of Heaven Cemetery, 1500 South State Road 7, North Lauderdale (954 972-1234). Contributions can be made in Karil Vangeloff's memory to the National World War II Memorial, P.O. Box 96766, Washington, D.C. 20090-6766, or call 1-800-639-4992, or email: wwiimemorial.com. To visit this Guest Book Online, go to www.herald.com/obituaries.