John Caruk Obituary

John Joseph Caruk COLUMBIA - John Joseph Caruk, 66, of Columbia, husband of Tammy Miller Caruk, passed away peacefully on Sunday, May 6, 2018 after fighting a courageous two-year battle with esophageal cancer. Son of Katherine Caruk and the late Peter Caruk, he was born November 20, 1951 in Morristown, New Jersey. John received his engineering degree from the University of South Carolina and was a licensed land surveyor in South Carolina. While John's early years were spent in New Jersey, he called South Carolina home, and was respected by business associates for the quality of his work and the integrity with which he practiced his profession. His quiet demeanor belied his wry sense of humor, unfailing honesty, and strength of character. John and Tammy were married 13 years ago in Las Vegas, Nevada, setting the stage for a love of travel the two shared. Together they enjoyed trips to the North Carolina and Virginia mountains, every beach between Florida and Virginia, excursions to Niagara Falls, the Grand Canyon, the Dominican Republic, Jamaica, Colorado, New York, and their annual trip with family to the Florida Keys. The trip to Jamaica was a particular favorite of John's and he frequently recalled memories or funny stories about their time on the island. His other passions--hiking, gardening, and trout fishing were surpassed only by love for his family. John is survived by his wife; children, Ashley Caruk Harris (Daniel) and Jonathan Caruk; stepchildren, Corbin Johnson (Ashley) and Blake Johnson (Ashley); step-grandchild, Bennett Johnson; his mother; brothers, Peter Caruk (Cheryl) and Mike Caruk (Doreen); nieces and nephews, Kimberly Caruk, Karlie Caruk, Nicholas Caruk (Christina), and Alexandra Caruk. He is also survived by his faithful dog and companion, Remi. A funeral a service will take place on Wednesday, May 9, 2018 at 3:00 p.m. at Thompson Funeral Home at Greenlawn Memorial Park with burial immediately following at Greenlawn Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials to be made to the Esophageal Cancer Awareness Association (ECAA), ECAware.org or P.O. Box 55071, #15530, Boston, MA 02205-5071, or the charity of one's choice. The family wishes to express sincere appreciation to Dr. Minter, Nurse Nancy, and the entire staff at South Carolina Oncology Associates for their care and compassion during John's illness. Friends may sign the online guestbook at www.thompsonsfuneral.com.

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Published by The State on May 8, 2018.

Memories and Condolences
for John Caruk

7 Entries

GEORGE BANZIGER

July 3, 2018

SO, SO, SORRY..

Kevin Crocker

May 10, 2018

John was a great friend & mentor. I only wished we could have worked longer together. He will be missed but his actions & character will never be forgotten.

Delfino @Jeanie Daniel

May 9, 2018

Tammy
I pray Gods peace for you and your family. John was a very special person. We loved him dearly. John was so good to my husband. Always tried to keep him in work. John will be missed. But I thank God for letting our cross pass.we love you Tammy we are here for you. When I go honey John is where I want to be. Love the Daniel's

Monique and Mr T

May 9, 2018

Tammy, we want you to know that you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers, (Thessalonians 4:13-18)

Jack Byars

May 8, 2018

I am saddened to learn of John's passing. We worked together at McCrory Construction, where I was lucky enough to get to know John and discover all great traits described in this Obituary. Although our paths drifted apart, when we randomly met occasionally, it only took a few minutes to be right back at home with each other because John always valued relationships and friendships. It's hard to think of him being gone from us, since we weren't through loving him back. May God continue to bless John's family and his legacy.

Larry Kingery

May 8, 2018

John, you will be will missed. I remember meeting John for the first time in 1998. I was just finishing my last semester at Clemson and looking to get on board with a General Contractor out of the Columbia market. As I pulled up to the job-site, I see John talking to what was later to be the site superintendent. He was waving his arms in dramatic fashion while discussing the day's events. As I approached the two, John stopped and asked how the two of them could help. I told them I was looking for a job and as of this past April, its been 20-years with that very company. I started under Caruk as an assistant and later became good friends. During these many years I learned a great deal from John. When he left the company we stayed in touch. John always answered my calls. He was like a father to me. He played a major role in my development, not only as a professional but has a man. I could never thank John enough as he made a lasting impression to this person's life. John, you will be missed my friend.

Lisa Carter

May 8, 2018

Tammy, I am so sorry for your loss. John was a great person. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

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