Jeffrey Randall Karp

Jeffrey Randall Karp, my most beloved husband for nearly twenty-five years, passed away recently. His family had a small private service and is planning a larger memorial service in May for his many loved ones and friends. His ashes will be interred in a private ceremony at that time. The delay has been caused by COVID and the brutal circumstance of timing: by which his most beloved son had to return to University, a mere fortnight after his father's passing. The crushing pain of losing a most adored father and the inconsolable grief of his mother caused the family to decide to delay these formalities until such a time that would not conflict with Jeffrey's son's education. Jeffrey insisted on discretion and having only those that he loved participate in any memorial. Like many couples, we discussed our wishes regarding how our passing would be observed. Jeffrey, the most devoted and loving father, was concerned for how the process would impact his brilliant son. Jeffrey was so proud of his son's remarkable achievements that the last thing he ever would have wanted was to cause more pressure for him in order to partake in the type of traditional trajectory which many families follow. Jeffrey thought funerals were a social construct for the benefit of the survivors and it's a philosophy his loving family agrees with.
Jeffrey was an incredibly special man because he cared more about spending quality time with his family than anything else. He treated his two stepdaughters as if they were his own. Nothing made Jeffrey happier than family dinners or festive holidays spent at home with his loved ones. In contrast, Jeffrey, a graduate of Harvard Law School, chose to travel the world with his best friend, collecting memories to last a lifetime, before he began his long and distinguished career. His Fraternity Brothers from college were still his close friends today. Their enduring bond has lasted and they till show it today by sharing photos and stories. All his feral friends have thoughtfully sent me memories to treasure. His business colleagues, fellow attorneys, and people I didn't even know have reached out which is a reflection of who Jeffrey was and the indelible mark he left on so many. In fact, many have collectively taken our son under their wing as an honorary "Karp junior." Many of Jeffrey's friends from around the globe have stepped up to help me or my son in our hour of need. It's also heartening that, as a neighborhood fixture in our Manhattan home, Jeffrey's passing truly saddened the people who interacted with him over the years: the dry cleaner, the other dog lovers out in Central Park, the waiters at our favorite restaurants, the coffee cart man, etc.
Jeffrey's life need not be measured by his accomplishments or hobbies but by the measure of the man: his optimism, his zany sense of humor, his intelligence, his integrity, his dignity and his endless capacity for the love of his family: his son, his two stepdaughters, his son-in-law, grandson, and his wife. He's also survived by a sister, a sister in law, two nieces and two nephews. Jeffrey would be heartened to know of all the good will evidenced by so many people who have reached out to us. He was actually very humble and all the praise might have surprised him!
In closing, I'd just like to say that he treasured our son who had brought Jeffrey so much joy. His greatest hope was that someone would step in as a future mentor and help guide our son to the brilliant future Jeffrey so deeply believed will be in store for him.
It's impossible to convey how much we will miss him. The linearity of the human condition is what makes life so bittersweet. We love you…but you knew that…it never hurts to say it one more time.