John Karpiak

John Joseph “Jack” Karpiak, 65, of La Plata, MD, died June 22, 2011, at University of Maryland Medical Center, Baltimore, MD. After graduating from Cardinal Dougerty High School in Philadelphia, Jack went in the army for three years - 16 months of which were spent in Viet Nam as a helicopter crew chief with the First Cavalry Division. He was awarded many medals and honors. When he returned home, he became a member of Operating Engineers Local 77 where he worked as a crain operator for 35 years during which time he completed his college education. He was a member of the American Legion Post 82, where he was commander during 1992-93. He was also a lifetime member of the VFW Post 10081. He loved to go boating and spend time in his wood shop making furniture. He enjoyed cooking for family and friends and they were always happy when he did. He, also, loved being with his grandchildren. Son of the late John Joseph Karpiak, Sr. and the late Mary Neimy Karpiak. Predeceased by his parents and brother, Michael Karpiak. Survived by his foster mother, Edna Anderson; wife of 15 years, Carol L. Karpiak; sons, Christopher Karpiak of Las Vegas; Richard Bittner of Huntingtown, MD; Bradley Bittner and his wife Beth of Charlotte Hall, MD; and Jeffrey Bittner of Waldorf, MD; brother, Richard Karpiak and his wife Alice of Port St. Lucie; and sisters, Kathy Anderson of Parkland, PA and Karenlynn Rumovitz and her husband Joseph of Bristol, PA. Also survived by eight grandchildren. Visitation will be Thursday, June 30, 2011, from 5PM until 8PM with an American Legion Service beginning at 6:30PM at Raymond Funeral Chapel, 5635 Washington Avenue, La Plata, MD 20646. Funeral Service and Interment will be Friday, July 1, 2011, starting at 11AM at MD Veterans' Cemetery, Cheltenham, MD. Rev. Mark Roberson will officiate. Pallbearers: Christopher Karpiak, Richard Bittner, Bradley Bittner, Jeffrey Bittner, Jerry Nutter, and Tom Hortung. Honorary Pallbearers will be the United States Army Honor Guard. Memorial contributions may be made to Vietnam Veterans of America, Chapter 641, P.O. Box 1748, Silver Spring, MD 20915.

John Karpiak

May 30, 1946 - June 22, 2011