Anthony Edward Karabiac

Anthony Edward Karabiac, of Hopewell, VA, passed away on Tuesday, May 14, 2024, at the age of 97. His family and friends knew him by many names -- Anthony, Tony, Eddie, Mr. K, Dad, Grandad, Papa, and Papa K - showcasing the breadth of connections he built in his long and storied life.

Born in New York City in 1926, Anthony grew up in Zagreb, Croatia, alongside his parents, Filomena and Joseph Karabaich, brothers, Joe and Donnie, and sisters, Mildred and Anne. As a child he excelled at soccer, loved his summers spent in Krk, and built a lifelong passion for growing figs. Anthony returned to the U.S. in 1947, where he met and married the love of his life, Dorothy Mae Karabiac. In their more than 35 years of marriage they would move around the world with their four children, eventually settling in the place he would call home - Hopewell, Virginia.

Anthony proudly served his country for 23 years in the United States Army achieving the rank of Sergeant First Class (E7). He distinguished himself by his heroic actions while serving in Vietnam, and was awarded the Bronze Star for exceptionally meritorious service in connection with ground operations against a hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. In 1972, he was again recognized for his service, being awarded The Army Commendation Medal, for outstanding performance of duty while serving with the Support Brigade, U.S. Army Armor Center, in Fort Knox, Kentucky. He also received many other awards and commendations throughout his Army career. As a retired veteran, he brought his dedication to excellence and technical knowledge to his role as a soil specialist at A&L Agricultural Laboratories. He spent his later years spoiling his increasing number of grandchildren and great grandchildren with beach vacations, cruises, and special Christmas memories.

Anthony had a generous spirit and a charismatic charm. He had a love for coin collecting, fishing, gardening, and was known for his delicious summer tomatoes. He was loved by many, and will be deeply missed by those he's left behind, including his four children - Anthony (Pam) Karabaich, Donald (Nancy) Karabaich, Richard (Jamie) Karabiac, and Lisa (David) Walker; his eight grandchildren, Aidan (Emily) Karabaich, Alina (Matt) Betts, Nastassya (Gene) Russell, Camille Karabaich, Stuart (Amber) Posey, Paul (Elizabeth) Karabiac, Ashton (Jacob) Kessler, and Kyle Karabiac; and his thirteen great-grandchildren, Gwenyth Karabaich, Sully and Hugo Betts, Myla and Margot Russell, Christian Blankenship, Aubrey and Reid Posey, Thatcher, Mazie, and Shepherd Karabiac, and Finley and Callum Kessler. His loved ones are comforted that he will be reunited with those who passed before him, including his beloved wife, Dorothy (Dec. 1986); and siblings, Donald "Donnie" Karabaich, Joseph "Joe" Karabaich, Mildred Orlich, and Anne Orlich.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations in memory of Anthony Edward Karabiac to Tunnel to Towers . If you would like to celebrate his life, a visitation will be held on Saturday, May 18, 2024, at 1:00 PM, and funeral at 2:00 PM, at Hopewell Chapel of J.T. Morriss & Son Funeral Home at 820 West Broadway Avenue, Hopewell, Virginia.