Charles D. Karparis | Obituaries

Charles D. Karparis EAST MONTPELIER — Charles Daniel Karparis, formerly of East Montpelier, VT, and most recently of Mayo Healthcare in Northfield, VT, passed away peacefully on November 26, 2025. Charlie was born on December 31, 1943, in Northampton, MA to Charles Karparis and Jean (Zazycki) Karparis. Charlie attended school in Northampton, MA, and graduated from Northampton High School in 1961. As a youth, he picked vegetables and tobacco on farms in Western Massachusetts. Upon graduating from high school, Charlie promptly enlisted in the Navy and proudly served 4 years as a Hospital Corpsman at the Chelsea Naval Hospital in Chelsea, MA. After his enlistment in the Navy, Charlie had many careers. He was a Highway Surveyor, Barber, Manager of Big Y Supermarkets, and a Sales Representative for RJ Reynolds Tobacco Company (the job that brought him to Vermont in 1973). When he got tired of “killing people” (referencing cigarettes as he had a way with words), he moved on to car and muffler sales. Charlie finally started a new phase of his life in the hospitality industry, leading to many friendships along the way as the Club Manager first for the Montpelier Elks Club, subsequently the Barre Elks Club, and finally at the American Legion Post #3 in Montpelier. Charlie had many interests, some of which included coaching his sons in youth sports in the Montpelier Little League and Flag Football leagues. He was also a dedicated member and Lieutenant of the East Montpelier Volunteer Fire Department for many years. He participated in community activities and events at the area Elks clubs and American Legions. He loved country music and sports. He played football in high school and as one could imagine, was an offensive lineman. When music wasn’t on the radio, he was watching a game. In particular, he followed the New York Giants, New England Patriots, UConn Women’s Basketball, and a team that he loved to manage from his Lazy Boy chair, the Flopo’s (as he affectionately called the Red Sox). He is survived by his children; Chuck Karparis and his wife, Tina of Montpelier, Andrew Karparis and his wife, Shelly of Plympton, MA, and Zafa Smith of Easton, Massachusetts; grandchildren, Emily, Calvin, Abigail, Daniel, Alexa, and Adam; great-grandchildren, Kai, Lyla, and Swayde; and other extended family and friends. He is also survived by his companion and close friend of many years, Carole Baker. Charlie was preceded in death by his parents, his sister June, and his longtime partner, Jeanne Casella. The family would like to thank the staff of Mayo Nursing Home for the care Charlie received. The family invites friends and loved ones to gather for a public visitation at Guare & Sons Funeral Home on Friday, December 5, 2025, from 11:00- 1:00 pm, to celebrate Charlie’s life and share collective memories. A service will occur at 1:00 pm following the visitation. American Legion Post #3 in Montpelier will host a reception to follow the service. Arrangements are entrusted to Guare & Sons Funeral Home, and online condolences may be made at www.guareandsons.com.