William N. Karazsia

1948 - 2022

William Nelson Karazsia, 73, of Washington Township, Apollo, passed away Tuesday, July 5, 2022, at Allegheny General Hospital, surrounded by his devoted wife and son. Born Aug. 24, 1948, son of George and Margaret (Ribar) Karazsia, of Crabtree, he graduated from Greater Latrobe High School and Clarion University, where he earned bachelor's and master's degrees in education. Bill was an elementary teacher for the Kiski Area School District for 33 years, retiring in 2005. In 1994, students of the district recognized him as "Elementary Teacher of the Year," and as the Kiski Area Boys' Varsity Track and Field head coach, he led his teams to back-to-back Westmoreland County Championships in 2003 and 2004. Bill enjoyed fly-fishing and archery hunting, and was a member of the Yellow Creek Trout Club and a lifetime member of the Saltsburg Sportsmans Club. His skill in archery earned him the title of Pennsylvania State Archery Champion in 1980. He also enjoyed kayaking, going to Steelers games and traveling with his family. Bill was a member of St. Gertrude Roman Catholic Parish, Vandergrift, and volunteered at the parish spaghetti dinners for several years. Bill was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Robert (Nancy); sister and brother-in-law, Mary Jane and Joseph Givogri; and their son, Mark Givogri; and father-in-law, Frank Gervasi. He leaves behind his loving wife of 49 years, Kathleen (Gervasi) Karazsia; and a grateful son, William Gervase Karazsia. He is also survived by his brothers, George (Sue) Karazsia, Jack (Connie) Karazsia and Thomas (Mary) Karazsia; mother-in-law, Anita Gervasi; sisters-in-law, Francine Gervasi and Linda Gervasi; brother-in-law, Michael (Alison) Gervasi; and numerous nieces and nephews, and great-nieces and great-nephews. Family and friends will be received from 1 to 4 p.m., Sunday, July 10, 2022, at the BRADY-CURRAN FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATION SERVICES INC., 429 Franklin Ave., Vandergrift, with the blessing service to immediately follow at 4 p.m. in the funeral home with Father James Loew, OSB, officiating. The family requests those that attend please wear masks. Private interment will be held at Greenwood Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations may be made in Bill's memory to the Heart Failure/LVAD department at Allegheny General Hospital, 320 E. North Ave. Pittsburgh, PA 15212, because of their life-saving skills and compassionate care. To send an online condolence to the family, please visit www.curranfuneralhome.com.