Warren Athletic Hall of Fame Member John J. "Karczie" Karcz dies at 80

John J. “Karczie” Karcz,, 80 of Liberty Street, Warren, died Monday, January 31st, at home. Born in Fall River a son of the late John and Karolina (Faryniarz) Karcz, he was a lifelong resident of Liberty Street.

He was the beloved husband of Barbara A. (Parent) Karcz and had been a systems technician for New England Telephone, AT&T, and Lucent Technologies for 38 years before retiring in 1989.

A 1947 graduate of LaSalle Academy, he was the short stop on the 1947 State Championship Team. He was an All State selection that same year. He played amateur baseball for Warren Standard Pharmacy, the East Providence Republicans and the East Providence Portuguese American Athletic Club.

He was a communicant of the former St. Casimir Church where he served as President of the Parish Council and now belongs to St. Alexander Church. He was Vice President of the St Joseph’s Society and was a member of the Telephone Pioneers.

He served as a Staff Sergeant in the Air Force during the Korean War and graduated from the Northeast Air Command. He played short stop on the 1951 Westover AFB Championship Team.

He refereed Junior Varsity Basketball for 33 years at the former Warren High School and was inducted into the Warren Athletic Hall of Fame in 2000.

Loving father of Susan and Mark Daniels of Bristol; Patricia and Kevin Sullivan; Diane and Michael Nelson all of Warren.

Arrangements were with Smith Funeral & Memorial Services, 8 Schoolhouse Road, Warren, with A Mass at St. Alexander Church, Main Street, Warren. Burial was in St Jean Baptiste Cemetery. Donations in his memory may be made to WFD Rescue Squad, 1 Joyce Street, Warren, RI 02885.

Obituary from Smith Funeral & Memorial Services. See  www.wjsmithfh.com for more information.