John Karabaich Obituary

JOHN PETER KARABAICH 1916 - 2006 Native Tacoman John Peter Karabaich was born to Katherine Steka and Anton Karabaich, Sr. on July 21, 1916. He died in Tacoma on April 21, 2006. John attended Stadium High School and was a Supply Sergeant in the Army Air Corps during World War II. On January 12, 1946, John married Anna Marie Domazet, who survives him. Before the war, John, along with his father, Anton, Sr. and brother Anton, Jr., established a fish market at the foot of McCarver Street called Old Tacoma Fish Company. After the war the two brothers re-established the business at the same location, built a new building, and named the enterprise Ocean Fish Mart. Although the ownership of the shop has changed, the building the brothers built remains a fixture in Old Tacoma. John retired from the fish retail business in 1968. Then his love of both fishing and cooking lured him to the Gladiator where he fished with his cousin Frank Marinkovich. He was also a member of the Propeller Club, and loved to gamble, as those who encountered John and Anna playing Bingo can attest. His greatest joy during retirement, however, was spending time with Anna and his many friends. These included the late Joe Marinkovich, as well as Ned and Loretta Vukovich, Andy Manos, Ann Marinkovich, Gary and Margarite Gerontis, George and Eva Cuculich, Mike and Agnes Jurich, Bob and Jerry Wood, and John and Shirley Petrinovich. Besides Anna, John is survived by sister-in-law Verna Karabaich, along with nieces/nephews Anton (Lorraine) Karabaich III, Ronald (Caroline) Karabaich, Kathleen Dillon Brossoit, and James Dillon. Brothers and sisters Nicholas, Margaret Dillon, Anton, Jr., Patricia Brummett, and Beula Lux all preceded him in death. Viewing is Wednesday and Thursday, April 26 and 27 from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Gaffney Funeral Home. Funeral Mass will be celebrated Friday, April 28, 2006, 11:00 a.m. at St. Patrick's Catholic Church. Following a reception at the church there will be final services at Calvary Cemetery prior to entombment in The Cloisters. Please leave online condolences at www.gaffneyfuneralhome.com . Arrangements by Gaffney Funeral Home 253-572-6003.