Ioannis “John” E. Karamouzis 92, of Scottsdale, AZ, passed away silently February 22nd, 2023
He lived life with Dignity, Integrity, and great Passion! John was a loving husband, his wife Mary whom he married 3 days after meeting and cherishing 47 yrs of union in marriage, preceded him in death in March of 2005. He leaves behind his children daughter Elizabeth and son James who meant the world to him. They will sorely miss him as they were with him the moment, he rose to heaven but are so grateful for the tremendous love he shared with them. Born December 6, 1930 in the village of “Adronianoi Karystias” on the island of Evia, Greece, John chose to immigrate to the United States where he proudly started his family and provided them with a quality of life due to his everlasting efforts of hard work.
Prior to leaving Greece as a young man, John was a world class runner who competed and raced in the 1,500 and 5,000 meter events, and narrowly missed out on representing his home Greece in the 1948 Olympics due to an enlarged heart that ended his career. Early in 1978 he started a company “Athens Carpets” a floorcovering business in metro Phoenix, and became an extremely successful businessman in the community. His son James joined him in the family business after finishing school as they worked side by side for 30 years until they both retired. In his later 2 years, he suffered numerous injuries due to repeated falls, and dementia which he finally succumbed to, but shared that time completely with his children who decided to live together with him during this period caring for him.
At family request, the kind gesture of flowers and gifts would be appreciated instead as donations to IOCC and St. Jude’s Children cancer hospital, as he cared for both dearly.
Visitation will be held from 9:30am-10:30am with Funeral Service at 10:30am on Wednesday, March 1, 2023 at St. George Antiochian Orthodox Church, 4530 E. Gold Dust Avenue, Phoenix. Burial will follow at Paradise Memorial Gardens Cemetery. Condolences may be expressed at www.whitneymurphyfuneralhome.com
James Karamouzis
Baba… all I can say after how much love and care you extended to Mom, Elizabeth and myself is that “You are my Hero!”… I will sorely miss you, but will wait patiently for that day I’m with you and Mom once again in heaven. The best gift I ever had was the time spent caring for you relentlessly with Elizabeth these past two years, I inherited a volume of wealth from you as you shared so much wisdom with me!… Baba I love you with all my heart and can still feel your pulse, you were an incredible man and father, till we meet again, LOVE your son James ❤️❤️❤️
Renee Khoury
The Hasbany family sends sincere condolences to the Karamouzis family. Our parents were longtime friends at St. George.
May his memory be eternal.