In Memoriam: Tony Karasis

March 17, 2014 9:26 AM

Local 6 lost a dedicated member and longtime friend this month with the death of Antonios “Tony” Karasis. He was 87 years old.

In an era when so many Americans have multiple workplaces in their careers, Tony Karasis spent more than four decades in Local 6 at the same hotel, the Park Central. A native of Greece, Tony Karasis came to the U.S. as a young man and served our country honorably in the Korean War. He was a longtime Union delegate and served several tenures on the Local 6 Executive Board.

“Tony Karasis served our Union well for many years, and his dedication to our members was clearly recognized and greatly appreciated,” Local 6 Business Manager Peter Ward said this week. “He was a constant presence at rallies and picket lines because he was always willing to defend workers.”

Tony Karasis leaves behind his beloved wife of 58 years, Evangelia, his son, William, daughter-in-law, Lisa, two grandchildren, and his brother, former Local 6 Vice President Konstantinos “Gus” Karasis, as well as the many friends, co-workers and Union brothers and sisters who were fortunate to have known him.

“We will long remember the contributions Tony Karasis made to our Union,” Ward said. “On behalf of all of our members we extend our sincere condolences to his family. We will miss him greatly.”