Bernard M. Karaffa

1939 - 2025

Bernard Michael Karaffa, 85, of South Connellsville, passed away peacefully on April 28, 2025. Born Aug. 1, 1939, in Leisenring, PA, he was the son of the late Stephen and Helen Karaffa. Bernard spent many of his childhood days with friends Ronnie, Corny, Nick, and brother, Bill; and sister, Anna Marie by his side. He loved riding the streetcar from Trotter into Connellsville to watch movies. Upon his 1957 graduation from Dunbar Township High School, he proudly served in the U.S. Navy through 1960 as a second-class electrician's mate aboard the USS Norfolk, with deployments to Panama, Greenland, England, and California. He was very proud to have "run the electrical" on his ship. Following his military service, Bernard earned an associate degree in drafting and design technology from Penn State Uniontown (now Fayette) in 1966 while working at Anchor Hocking, where he met his beloved wife of nearly 58 years, Marjorie (Eller) Karaffa. The couple lived in Alexandria, VA, during his time with RCA before returning home to South Connellsville. He later retired after a 30-year career as an electrical technician with West Penn Power in Greensburg. Bernard was a lifelong member of St. Stephen's Byzantine Catholic Church in Leisenring and the Juniata Sportsman Club. He enjoyed barbecuing, gardening, fishing, small game hunting, and sharing the outdoors with his family and friends. He had hoped to hit the jackpot on one of his casino outings, but no such luck! In addition to his wife, Marjorie, he is survived by his son, Brian (Michiko) Karaffa of Connellsville; daughter, Kristin (Alan) Petrazzi of Murrysville; grandchildren, Ryun (Celeste) Karaffa, Jordan Karaffa, Andersen, Avery, and Kara Petrazzi; sister, Anna Marie (Andy) Depta of Connecticut; brother, Bill Karaffa of Florida; numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews; and his time spent with cherished family pets, Shasta and Reagan. Family and friends will be received from 11 a.m. until noon, Tuesday, May 6, 2025, in St. Stephen's Byzantine Catholic Church, Leisenring, the time of Divine Liturgy with the Rev. Jerome Botsko as celebrant. Interment will follow in St. Stephen's Cemetery. All arrangements are under the direction of the BROOKS FUNERAL HOME INC., 111 E. Green St., Connellsville, PA. To offer a condolence or remembrance, please visit www.brooksfuneralhomes.com.