Paul Karass

BATH -  Paul Karass of Bath and Topsham, devoted husband of Lillian Karass, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, February 6th after a brief illness. Paul was born on November 12, 1926, at the Hart Hospital in East Boston, Massachusetts. He was the son of Harry and Mariam Karass and was raised in Boston. He attended the prestigious Boston Latin School from the 6th grade until his early graduation in 1944 to join the war effort.

Upon his completion of Army Basic Training, Paul was sent to Norwich University in Vermont to study Civil Engineering. However, because of his fluency in both German and French and his aptitude to learn languages, he was transferred to the University of Chicago to learn Japanese. After he completed his studies, Paul was deployed to Japan and then Korea where he was civil administrator on the staff of the U.S. Military Governor. He served in Korea until his discharge. During his military service, he attained the rank of Sergeant.

After his separation from the Army, Paul completed his education at Boston University. On September 10, 1949, he married Lillian Rich of Boston; remaining her husband until his death.

In 1955 he moved his family to Bath where he managed Rogers Jewelry for nineteen years. During the time he worked in Bath, Paul was very active in community affairs. He was active on the Retail Trade Board, Chamber of Commerce, Bath Planning Board, a Mason, member of the Bath Lodge of Elks, Bath Little League, Reserve Police Officer, and a congregant at Temple Beth El Synagogue. He completed his working career retiring from his position of Senior Consumer Credit Examiner for the State of Maine in 1991.

Paul was an avid reader, a devoted fan of the Boston Red Sox and New England Patriots. In his retirement he continued to serve the citizens of Bath by volunteering as a server at the Bath Soup Kitchen and as treasurer for the Bath Senior Citizens. He enjoyed traveling with Lillian, playing cribbage, and the company of his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.

He is survived by his wife of 69 years, Lillian Karass of Topsham; his children: Edward Karass of Boise, Idaho and his wife Susan, Gail Karass Tarmey of Salem, Massachusetts and her significant other Jake, Marsha Karass Emery of Wiscasset and her husband Tim, and Mark Karass of Scarborough and his wife Andrea. Seven grandchildren: Anna, Ben, Jamie, John, Lauren, Melissa, and Stephanie; and five great grandchildren.

Paul is predeceased by his mother and father and his younger brother Max Karass.

A memorial service will be held in the Spring at Oak Grove Cemetery for the immediate family.

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