Elefterios George "Lefty" Karkazis

1932 - 2024

Elefterios 'Lefty' George Karkazis
08/15/1932 - 09/18/2024
On September 18, 2024, Elefterios ('Lefty') George Karkazis passed away peacefully in his sleep at the age of 92.
Lefty was born August 15,1932, near Tripoli, Greece in the Peloponnese village of Rizes. He was the youngest of seven siblings, born to George and Paraskevi Karkazis. Lefty experienced extreme poverty, hunger, and disease during the 1941 - 1944 German occupation. A violent 5-year civil war soon followed perpetuating the difficult and dangerous life Lefty and his family had already endured. For the remainder of Lefty's life, the wasting of food was rarely, if ever, tolerated due to his painful memory of hunger. Those formative years, tempered by war and despair, generated a will to survive and served as the basis for the optimism, confidence and determination Lefty always displayed.
In 1952, at the age of 19, with minimal clothing for travel, Lefty departed Rizes for a better life in the United States. He boarded the Nea Hellas in Piraeus, and 15 days later arrived in New York City, followed by a cross-country journey to San Francisco. Lefty was greeted by his sponsoring cousins, Gus and Jennie Kanios, who welcomed him into their family. While learning English, Lefty worked at the Geary & Hyde Market from 1955-1957. After that, Lefty proudly served his new country as a member of the United States Navy on-board the destroyer, USS Radford (DD-446). After his tour of duty and becoming co-owner of the Geary & Hyde Market, Lefty met and eventually married the love of his life, Carole Varellas, in June of 1965 with whom they raised 3 children: George, Jennifer, and Pamela.
By becoming sole proprietor and Master Grocer at the Geary & Hyde Market and buying his first home in Daly City for his growing family, Lefty had achieved the 'American Dream.' He employed family, friends, and local residents which, combined with his fair and honest business practices. He turned the market into not only a place for neighborhood commerce but also a warm and friendly social hub for the Geary Street community.
After a half century of 6-to-7-day work weeks, Lefty and Carole retired to begin enjoying their well-earned Golden Years. Lefty and Carole loved hosting annual parties at their home in Burlingame, especially the Super Bowl and 4th of July, where an abundance of food and drink were always served. They took frequent vacations throughout the United States and Europe, including the annual reunion of USS Radford Veterans and their spouses. Lefty was passionate about cooking, gardening, and winemaking. Lefty supported the Greek Orthodox Church throughout the years. He was also a 32 Second Degree Mason and member of the Scottish Rite for 65 years.
Lefty always put family and friends first and served proudly as our pillar of strength and family patriarch. He is survived by his wife and soulmate, Carole; three children: George, Jennifer, and Pamela; their spouses: Coleen, George and Jason; and four adoring granddaughters: Ava, Caroline, Karissa, and Katerina. The wonderful memories and inspiring life story Lefty provided will remain with all of us for generations to come.
Family and friends are invited to attend both services at the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, 999 Brotherhood Way, San Francisco. Trisagion (Wake) at 7 pm on Tuesday, October 1, 2024 and Funeral at 11 am on Wednesday, October 2, 2024. Interment is immediately after the Funeral at the Greek Orthodox Memorial Park, Colma.
Donations can be made in Lefty's name to the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church and/or Church of the Holy Cross, Belmont.