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Peter Karis Obituary

Peter Karis Peter Karis, 72, an expressionist painter, gallery owner, retired advertising executive and restaurateur died at his home on Hilton Head Island on January 31, 2015.  Peter's greatest joy was his wife Maggie and children, Nick, Marina, Matt (Colleen), Kristen Raley (Brian), and Alexis Esakov (Steven) and his grandchildren, Hailey, William, Chloe, Ella and Sophia. Born in Jersey City, New Jersey to Harry and Irene Karis, Peter is survived by his sister Florence Nestor (Bill) and nephew Ryan. Peter graduated from Kent State University in 1964 with a degree in painting and began a career in advertising establishing Karis Advertising for over 40 years.  Peter served in the National Guard, owned multiple restaurants, loved new challenges and creating new opportunities. He fostered, mentored, inspired, supported and gave much to many guided by ethical values, and a seemingly easy manner.  Always passionate about painting he won numerous awards and was represented in galleries across the United States and in exhibits in Switzerland and Florence, Italy. He painted from his soul, fast and full of emotion, rarely leaving his studio until the painting was complete. Peter and Maggie established Karis Art Gallery which inspired some of his best work.   He was an avid sports fan, enjoyed landscape design and spent hours outside in his gardens.  As a devoted father Peter watched every little league baseball game, soccer match, horse show, music recital, gymnastic and ballet performance his children were ever in. He felt like a blessed and lucky man to be able to watch his children grow and always said they were his greatest achievement and his best work of art. Visitation will be at 9:30 a.m. Thursday at St. Francis by the Sea Catholic Church with a Greek Orthodox funeral service at 10:30 a.m. Burial will follow at Six Oaks Cemetery. The Island Home and Crematory. www.theislandfuneralhome.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Island Packet from Feb. 3 to Mar. 3, 2015.

Memories and Condolences
for Peter Karis

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Carl Spier

July 31, 2015

I just read the KSU alumni mag and saw the passing of Peter Karis. So many years ago at Kent, Peter was a fraternity brother. I am saddened by his passing, even if we have been out of touch all these years. I remember him as a quietly determined art/architecture student, making so many models. He had a wonderful varied successful life, something of which you could see back then! I can speak only for myself, but I am sure there are many of our brothers equally as stunned and saddened as I was to read this. Peter was remarkable and by all the testimonies led a remarkable life.

Roanld Szuch

July 16, 2015

My Condolences to The family. Both he and Maggie were always so great to work with in Cleveland. Always a gentleman and a great soul. My thoughts are with you Maggie during this trying time.

Deborah Ford

March 16, 2015

Sending heartfelt condolences.

Peter Karis

March 6, 2015

I remember growing up with my cousin in North Jersey,he was always kind and loved to draw even as a young boy,his Mom and Dad (Uncle Harry,Aunt Irene) are the best.He is at home with them.

February 24, 2015

Our deepest sympathy to you all. We were friends in our younger years at Kent .
Alan and Carol Johnson--Boardman, Ohio

Mary Sullivan

February 7, 2015

My condolences to the family of Peter Karis. He was a wonderful painter and a kind and generous man. Though I did not know him well personally, he was always a true pillar of the arts on Hilton Head and supporter of artists. He will be missed.

Leslie Chappel

February 6, 2015

Dear Karis Family,
I enjoyed sharing your last year in Mentor when Nick was in second grade. I hope Hilton Head holds many good memories that will comfort you in your loss. Deepest sympathy.

Debbie & Steve Ribnskas

February 5, 2015

To the Karis family; you are in our thoughts and prayers. So sorry for your loss.

Tom Crea

February 5, 2015

Peter was a great friend and client from my early years in Cleveland Real Estate. My deepest sympathy and sorrow for his loss goes out to his entire family - especially to Maggie, Nick & Marina. RIP Pete, you were one of the best, and I'll always keep you in my memory.

Carol Kline

February 4, 2015

Dear Karis Family, my thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Hold on to your wonderful memories. After the tears you will have laughter and smiles when you remember and share all your happy times together. Love you all "Aunt" Carol Kline

E G

February 3, 2015

Many prayers are with your family. you are not alone "Psalm90;10"

Donan Carroscia-Platek

February 3, 2015

Maggie and Family, I am so sorry for your loss, you are in my thoughts and prayers.

Cheryl & Bob Maenza

February 3, 2015

Dear Maggie, Marina and Nick and family, We are so sorry to hear of Peter's passing and we offer you our heart-felt sympathy. We admired Peter's many talents, but among our fondest memories of this dear man we called friend will be his kind heart, playful spirit, sweet smile and love of family. We still talk about the amazing stuffed French toast he made for us many years ago as part of a wonderfully tranquil breakfast overlooking the bay at China Cockle Lane. He will be missed by all who knew him.

February 3, 2015

Pete was a great guy I had the pleasure working with.
Kenneth Richards
Chicago

Laura and Apoo Miller

February 2, 2015

Dear Karises,

We are so sorry for your loss!

What a lovely photo of Peter; sitting, relaxed, in sunny Hilton Head, surrounded by his art and the beauty that made him so happy. The world was lucky to have him, and to experience his expression through his art.

Since Colleen and Matt's wedding, we have always loved the closeness Peter shared with his family and his children. We absolutely loved your beach photo and seeing the love that you all shared. Quite the bond!

Peter was the kind of father who could both give you advice on any subject at any time and also be your best friend every day. Hilton Head was special place for him, and a wonderful home for him to share with Maggie, Nick, and Marina.

Every Sunday when the Eagles played (or the Cavs, or the Phillies), the circuits were busy with calls to discuss each play-by-play. Thank God for cell phones and unlimited calling! The Karises sure burned through the operators' fingers on game day!

In words, it's hard to describe how supportive he was, as well as how dedicated a father he was. He certainly will be missed.

But we are sure that he is at peace knowing that Maggie, Nick, and Marina are loved by the rest of his family. It seems like only yesterday that Nick and Marina were babies at Matt and Colleen's wedding. I went to Marina's christening in NJ. Peter and Maggie certainly raised two wonderful children who share the best of both parents' qualities. Hopefully, they can carry their good memories of him as they continue to grow.

Peter raised three great kids before that, too; kids that he loved as dearly, and who loved him equally back, and who will hopefully remember him with their fondest memories. Matt, Kirsten, and Alexis, our thoughts are with you and your families at this sad moment.

We especially love all of grandpa Harry's recipes that Peter shared with us. His love of family, good food, good times, and living life to its fullest will be missed sorely.

Our thoughts and prayers are with you all during these tough times. We welcome you all to our abode in San Diego, any time, and all the time.

Love
Laura and Apoo

David Wendel

February 2, 2015

My deepest condolences to Maggie and all the children and grandchildren.
Pete was not only a great artist, but also a wonderful guy.
You'll be missed Pete.

Karen Ollis Toula

February 2, 2015

We are holding the Karis Family in our hearts now and always.

Showing 1 - 17 of 17 results

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Memorial Events
for Peter Karis

Feb

5

Visitation

9:30 a.m.

St. Francis by the Sea Catholic Church

45 Beach City Rd., Hilton Head Island, SC

Feb

5

Funeral service

10:30 a.m.

St. Francis by the Sea Catholic Church

45 Beach City Rd., Hilton Head Island, SC

Feb

5

Burial

Six Oaks Cemetery

Hilton Head Island, SC

Funeral services provided by:

The Island Funeral Home & Crematory

4 Cardinal Road, Hilton Head, SC 29926

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