John Karnezis Obituary

JT thinking about all the smiles you brought us in Champaign, IL. They beat #6 Wisconsin yesterday in your honor. We miss you !

John, what happened?
John was my Trial Advocacy Professor at the John Marshall Law School in 1999, and his course was the first and only time in law school where I could be a barracuda and get away with it. I never even knew I had that side in me until John's course, and I had SO MUCH FUN with it. I LOVED his class, by far THE VERY BEST law school course I ever had. He gave me an A+, which says more about him than me. And to give you a better idea of what that means, my last memory of John was at the McCormick Place ceremony in November 2000. I like Judge's kids anyway; so I went to sit way in front with them, and John was there. When he saw me, he didn't just sit there and wave or smile. He got up, crossed the aisle, and came over to me, and so I got up for His Honor. I don't remember what we said at all, but he was very pleasant, and I felt so proud, honored, and privileged to be standing with John Karnezis IN FRONT of that entire huge auditorium. I hope that everyone took note.

I knew John in law school. I just read in the law school magazine that he had passed. I am shocked.
He has a really good and kind soul. His absence must be devastating to your family. I am so sorry.

Sheila Hanley Wanger

To Judge Karnezis and Family,
I recently learned of John's passing and I was truly stunned. I first met John when he was a young ASA and I was assigned to his father's courtroom. John would often stop by to see his dad and watch the courtroom action. He was always eager to learn and ready to assist in any way. I will always remember his engaging personality and wonderful sense of humor. God surely has another angel in heaven and he will watch over all of you. My heartfelt sympathy goes out to your entire family. +Memory Eternal.

To the Karnezis family:

I just learned yesterday of John's sudden passing. Needless to say, I was stunned. John was currently representing me with my case, and yet all I could think of was that it felt as if I had lost a great friend..even though we did not know each other well. He was just that kind of man. I am saddened that I will not have the opportunity to get to know him better. My family offers its prayers to yours and hopes God helps you through this incredibly difficult time.

Bob Vaughn

Deepest condolences to Judge and Mrs. Karnezis and to all of John's family. LIke others here, I knew John professionally. While he was in the State's Attorney's Office, in the Gang Prosecutions Unit, I had the great opportunity to work on several cases with him. We learned too that we had several personal connections as is so often the case in this town and in that business. He was as talented an attorney, as sharp an intellect, and as warm a human being as could anyone ask. I am sorry that I learned of his passing too late to attend the services and to personally share these few memories and extend these sincere condolences.
Det. Jim Hennigan (CPD / Ret.)

Dear friends,
Thank you for writing these lovely notes to our family. I have just read all 21 pages and while I am sure John is in heaven thinking you left something out, I feel that you have all honored my brother and our family with your caring thoughts, prayers and words. Please keep in touch as we would love to hear more stories of our brother John. Thank you. Carie

Dena, we are so sad to hear about your loss. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you and the rest of your family. Nichole (Steinmetz) and Todd Rooney.

The Karnezis Family,
I was a former Assistant State's Attorney with John. I will remember John not only as a great attorney but for his passion and caring heart toward his family and friends. His smile and sense of humor will forever be remembered. My deepest sympathy for his family and loved ones. My prayers are with you.

To Judge & Mrs. Karnezis & Family
I am truly sorry about your loss.. My daughter and I extend our Deepest Sympathy!

I had the privilege of knowing John as we went through Marist, on weekend visits to U of I when we would run into each other and then as we both became attorneys. On a few occasions I sent clients to John in Chicago.Without fail the first 15 minutes on the phone would be spent on our mutual friends, a funny story or a new joke one of us had just heard. The last of these conversations was about 2 months ago and ended with John telling me to call the next time I was in the city. In shock that that meeting will not happen. He was a special person who will be missed greatly may he rest in peace.

The bad thing about dying suddenly is you don't get to thank the people you love& express your love for them one last time. If John could speak with tears in his eyes he would tell each and every one of us how much he loved us as he always did when he was with us. He would thank Dena for being the great love of his life; loving him unconditionally. He would thank her for being beautiful inside and out & for being the best wife to him and great mom to John and Michael. John would thank our mom for raising him to be the person he is, for always being there for him, for being strict & loving all at the same time. He would thank my Dad for being a phenomenal role model. John has always looked up to you Dad as we all have. John would also thank mom and dad for instilling a great work ethic, values, thirst for justice, love of family and God. He would thank his precious joys in his life; John and Michael for being loving miracles to him. He would let them know how proud he is of them & that he didn't know true happiness until God blessed him with Dena and his children. He would thank his siblings, nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, uncles, and friends for always being there for him, caring and loving him & for all the fun and laughter; which as we all know mostly was due to John.
God blessed us with John for 44 years. Life time challenge is for us to live up to John. Use the gifts that God blessed us with as John did. Don't procrastinate; make a list of what you want to accomplish in life and that day go for it. Appreciate your loved ones, always have a sense of humor, help others and seek justice. John was always a protector to women in his life and the men/ boys in our family he was similar to a second father giving praise where warranted and giving great advice where needed. John is going to be greatly missed, but there is no question that he is in heaven being a father to Marshall and Theodore and cracking everyone up with his quick wit.
John gave us many gifts, love, laughter, compassion, security, dependability, justice, friendship and family. The biggest gift he gave the Karnezis family is Dena, John & Michael. I thank him for that! I'm going to pray and have prayed that everyone missing John will know 100% that he is happy in heaven with God. In helping others & thinking of others above oneself as John did the pain of missing John won't be as acute. In giving that we receive; John was a perfect example of that. John gave and gave and when he was done giving he gave some more. In doing so I must say that John was one of the happiest people on earth before entering life in heaven. I know that there are many of us including me that until we meet up with him in heaven will have a heavy heart missing him but we will also have joy, happiness, and laughter when thinking of my brother John because he gave us what seems an infinite amount of happy memories.
I would like to thank you John for being the great person you are; loving, caring, intelligent, protective, absolutely hilarious and huge heart!! Thank you for your continuous generosity & being Mr. Dependable to everyone.
Of course if written by John this would have been more eloquently written, with a lot of added humor. God bless you John; we love you!
xoxo Sherrie

Dear Karnezis Family,

We were so saddened to hear of John's passing. John has always had a meaningful place in our hearts as a trusted friend, and we know that will never go away.

John and I (Jim) had both had some trouble with Myocarditis, and this past summer John came and visited me in the hospital to share his insights. We laughed for 2 hours in what had to be the most hilarious, uplifting hospital visit ever. He had a tremendous capacity to love and laugh - something we all adored about John. As of the 29th I am still in the hospital, so I cannot attend the services, but my wife, Sue, will be there for both of us.

We can only imagine how difficult this is for all of you. We hope you find the suppport and love you need to move forward in his memory. It will not be easy, but John would want all of us to charge on. Our family will continue to pray for you. God Bless you, John.

My deepest symapathy to the entire Karnezis family. I worked several cases with John when he was with the State's Attorney's office. He was an excellent prosecutor and just a wonderful person. He was loyal to his friends and family. A man of dignity. After he left the State's Attorney's office we still kept in touch telephonically, always ready to talk and listen. He truly brightened the day of everyone he came into contact. Once again my deepest condolences.
Detective Allen Szudarski

Dear Karnezis family,
I was so sad to hear about the passing of JT. He was such an amazing and honorable human being imbued with so many special qualities. He was kind, funny, smart, warm, full of life, optimistic and charismatic. Most of all, he was a loyal friend. JT led his life in such a way that you could not help but be touched by him. The person he was is a testament to your entire family. My thoughts and prayers are with your family during this difficult time.

Themis & Melodie

I am so very sorry for your incredible loss. My heart goes out to you, and my prayers will be with you, and your family.

Diane Oudhuis - Saugany Lake

Dena, you are in my deepest thoughts and prayers... I am so sorry for your loss. I wish you all the strength you need to help you get through this hard time. Michelle [Steinmetz] Mulholland

So very sad and sorry to hear of John's passing. Our deepest sympathies are with the entire Karnezis family.

I am so shocked to hear the news about John's death. My family attended the service and told me that it was beautiful and quite a tribute. I will pray for your family for strength as you grieve.

Timmy, Tristan, and the rest of John's family - JT was a tremendous mentor to me in my career and a great, great guy. We will keep you all in our prayers. Our deepest sympathies. Jim Lundy and Family

Themis, Melodie and Family,
I was so sorry to hear about the loss of your son. Please accept my deepest sympathy. Carol Breitzke Schmall

Please accept my deepest sympathy for your loss. May happy memories sustain you and forever light your way. God Bless you.

Tim, Grace, JG, Timmy and Family,
Your love and commitment to each other is an inspiration to all of us. We are so sorry for your loss. You are in our prayers.

Themis Karnezis and Family

My deepest sympathy and prayers for your loss.

Chris Makris (Tucson, AZ)

Themis Karnezis & Family,

Please accept our deepest sympathy and prayers. Matt and Pat Moran (Bolingbrook, Illinois)

Dena,

I've thought about your family so often and am so grateful to have spent time getting to know you and caring for the boys. It doesn't seem real that a man so full of life is no longer here. Know that you are surrounded by so many who love and care about you and are remembering John.

I am so devastated to hear about John's death, as his life brought so much joy to so many. I will never forget how my friend John from U of I, a year ahead of me at Loyola Law School, pulled me, a nervous first year, out of the law library and admonished me NEVER to be caught alive in there again! It was one of my best memories of law school. He knew that so much of the true understanding of law begins in the relationships we have with others, and John definitely knew people. A cherished friend to so many and an excellent lawyer. His spirit and love for life will be missed by so many in the legal, U of I, and Loyola Law communities.

My thoughts and prayers for John's entire circle of loved ones... His giant hugs, wonderful smile and unforgettable laugh will be missed. Please keep that laughter alive for the boys... They should know their dad was always the life of the party!

Dena, I am so very sorry for your loss. I know John was your Best Friend and the love of your life. I can not imagine what you are going through. My heart is so sad for you and the boys. I wish I could be there for you. Plesae know that I am thinking about you and will see you very soon. Love always, Tricia

I ran into John on the corner of Wells and Adams last summer. I hadn't seen him since your cottage in the summer of 1978, but he recognized my middle-aged face in a heartbeat! He happily gave me an update on everyone and told me about his wonderful wife. Such a kind and caring man. You will all be in my prayers.
Sincerely,

Melodie, Themis, Dena and family:

My deepest sympathies to you. Please know you are all in our thoughts and prayers.

Although my husband and I didn't know John we felt the need to express our utmost sympathies to Dena, sons, and family. Our daughter, Debbie Teunissen was a secretary to John when he worked at Clifford Law Offices. We knew of the trials of them trying to have a family of their own. We were so happy to hear that the boys were born about a year ago. Just when everything was coming together and John was finally a dad his tragic death happened. I'm sure the boys will grow up knowing what a wonderful man their dad was just from all the great stories that John's friends will share with them. You will miss him greatly, but just know that at the end of your journey you all will be together again. Until then May god hold him in the palm of His Hand.

Tristan, I am so sorry to hear about your brother. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.

Although its been years since I've seen John, he is and always will be larger than life to me. He was a fraternity brother at Illinois, good friend and an amazing person. I will always cherish our good times, as he treated everyone as if they were his best friend, had your back and was always there for you. Obviously he has touched many people in so many ways, the true testament of a life well lived. He leaves our earth too early, but his legacy will live on in so many ways. We are all lucky and privileged to have known him. Peacetos John.

Judge, Mrs. K & family:
A great friend, John was larger than life. His laugh was infectious and his presence was great. How lucky I am to have known John that it makes it so hard to say so long. With a very heavy heart, I am thinking of all of you.

JT was a great friend and loyal till the end.....NOBODY ever made me laugh harder... he will be sorely missed, but I know God is keeping him close so he can hear all the jokes and finally get some good advice for all of us left here on earth. Till we meet again JT.. take care old buddy.

Although I didn't know John well, his smile sticks with me. He always had it on every time I saw him. I am so sorry for everyone that feels his loss. I hope the memories that he shared with you and the laughter he brought to your lives bring you happiness when you think of him.

To Dena, Michael, John and the entire Karnezis Family - There are absolutely no words to express the sadness and loss that John's passing has inflicted in those who knew and loved him. I feel blessed to have called him a friend. His sense of humor and wittiness made him so fun to talk with and be around. His generousity with his time, whether it be personal or for legal advice, was always there. I feel so fortunate to have seen him Saturday. Who would have known a few short hours later life would have changed for so many. I have tried to find some reasoning to this and like someone else already said, I just don't get it. God Bless You John! Love - Beth

"Dena and family.....I am in shock, I am so so sorry to hear about your loss...an absolute tradegy, John was so amazing, full of life, kind, thoughtful, just a wonderful person I think I will ever meet. To this day I would talk about him here in Canada. Dena my heart aches right now.. I would give anything to be there with you. Know that my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this difficult time".

John was a mentor and friend to me and so many people. He will be missed greatly. My family's love, thoughts, and prayers are with Dina, the boys, and John's whole family.

Mike and the entire Karnezis Family,

Although I only knew your brother through the stories that you shared during our years at NIU I sympathize beyond words for your loss. From what I know your brother was an asset to this planet in every concievable way and I cannot even begin to imagine the impact his absence will have both personally and professionally. I will pray for his wife and young sons and know you will keep his memory alive for them. Please accept my most heartfelt condolences at this very sad and difficult time for you and your family....

Dena and Family,
I am so sorry to hear about your loss. May God be with you during this very difficult time.

Yet another tragedy . . . my prayers go out to you -

As my family and I prepare for the next few days, we are struck by many emotions... sadness, anger, laughter... We know how John touched our lives. He was our brother, son, husband, father, uncle, cousin, nephew... Reading all of these beautiful entries in the guestbook tells us that he was so much to so many people. I am so happy that John was able to share himself with all of you. Your prayers and support are overwhelming and are helping us through this difficult week.

John was one of the best people around. A great friend to us all. Sincere deepest sympathies for the Karnezis Family, Turnquist Family, friends and loved ones. God wanted him for a reason in paradise, May he have mercy on us all as we continue to deal with this tragedy.

I had the honor and pleasure of working with John in the State's Attorney's Office at Markham in the 1990s. I remember him for his positive outlook and his ability to spread a positive attitude to others around him. It is sad that he is gone from us.

May

My you find comfort in the memories of the good times you had with John. Celebrate his life and know that he will be waiting for you in heaven when your time here is completed. God Bless you all during this very sad time. John will always be remembered for his big smile, quick wit and charisma...he always had a way of making a person feel as if they were the most important one in the room. A true gift.

Melodie, Themis and family,
My deepest sympathy to you and your family at this difficult time. My prayers and thoughts are with you.

Such a gentle man. Always giving of his time and experience in his professional life. A fun-loving but sensible guy in college... I feel fortunate to have known John and to have counted him a friend.

Dear Melodie, Themis, Melodie, Sherrie, Doran, Carie, Michael, Timmy, Tristan and to his precious wife Dena and beautiful twins, John and Michael, we wish you our deepest sympathy. John was such a vibrant and wonderful man and so good to everyone he met. He was just a nice young man. God Bless the whole Karnezis Family. Love, Larry and Carolyn Doody

I went to Marist with John Freshman and Sophomore yr's before I transferred. I went there not knowing anyone and I'll always remember how John's warmth and kindness made me feel so welcome. He was truly one of my favorite classmates at Marist. Unfortunately, I lost touch with him, but ran into him about 10 years ago at Emmit's Pub and had such a great night together catching up. My wife was so impressed by John. I came away thinking how much I truly liked him. John, you're missed and thought of from people you've touched long ago...I can't even imagine how much your missed by family and friends you saw often. God Bless you and your family.

My thoughts and prayers are with John's family and friends. When I think of John he always had a great big smile on his face. I am very sorry for your loss.

Our deepest sympathies and heartfelt condolences go out to all in Karnezis family during this difficult time of grief and sorrow. John will not be be forgotten by all who knew him and those who shared time in his life.

God bless his soul.

Dear Karnezis family:
May God bless you and give you strength in your time of sorrow.

Dear Themis, I am sorry to hear about the loss of your son. Although I never had the opportunity to meet him, I often heard about his great accomplishments as an outstanding trial lawyer. My deepest sympathy to you and your family. Judge Preston L. Bowie(ret).

I was so sorry to hear of your loss. The thoughts of many are with you at this time of sorrow.

JT was always larger than life and lit up the room when he entered. He was a superb trial lawyer, and a gentleman. His humor was contagious. We are blessed to have known ye.

John was a great family man, friend, and mentor. His sense of humor and saracastic wit always brought a smile to everyone. I was truly blessed to have known him. My deepest condolences to Dena and the boys and the entire Karnezis family.

Brian Nash

Judge Karnezis & Family.

Please accept our sincerest condolences on the recent passing of your son, John. Words alone can't express the sorrow we felt when we heard the news. May John rest in peace and may his memory be eternal!

Louis Apostol & Family

I just can't put into words how saddened I am by this news. John has been a great friend ever since we met in the first week of college back in 1984. He never forgot a friend and was always there for me in good times and bad. Although we only saw each other a couple of times a year lately, each meeting was cherished and it always seemed as if no time had passed. We would quickly be back to immature delinquents in no time! I'll always remember his commanding presence that could take over a room but also how he could do it just as easily with his smile and laugh. John was very proud of his legal accomplishments, but nothing made him prouder than becoming a husband and father. And in the past year with the healthy arrival of his sons and the new law practice, John just seemed so much more at peace with life and himself. He died a happy man, but left a big hole in our hearts for those of us left behind. God Rest, J.T.

To the Karnezis family: I am deeply sorry for your loss. As a friend of Tim, Mike, and Tristan, I know he was well thought of in such a close family. I met him my first year at Marist and looked up to his leadership skills. My thoughts and prayers are with everyone.

Dena and sons:
There are no words to express our deepest sympathy and condolences. Our thoughts and pryers are with you always.

John brought great compassion and tenacity - along with a great sense of humor - to work as an Assistant State's Attorney. What a tragic loss!

Always proud to say I was a friend of John's and looking forward to talking with him about the Marist days when I ran into him over the years. We were unique because we didn't have to march in halftime shows in band because we played football. Left alot of free time for laughs back then. Always expected to see more of... John as we got older, but apprectaied the times when our paths crossed. John left too early but I have nothing but good memories about him. I know God has his plans, but I don't get this one.

JT, you were larger than life. I will never forget those days visiting my brother at U of I and having a grand old time with you and your gang. You will be sorely missed my friend.

We were so very sorry to hear of your loss. You will be in our thoughts and prayers during this most difficult time.

Judge Christy S. Berkos and Rita Berkos

I'll remember John as an extraordinary person & friend - in the elite of his peer group, a work ethic next to none. When he studied in college the door was locked and the great logician JT became the great attorney JT. He made us better people when we were in his company. In good times he made us laugh ourselves to tears - in conflict he stood by as a loyal brother. My deepest condolences to John's great family & countless friends!

To the Karnezis family: I am sorry to learn of your loss. John was a good man; smart, respected, and well-liked by all. My sympathies and prayers to all of you.

My deepest sympathies to the Karnezis family. John was a wonderful person that came from an extraordinary family.

I have known John for over 20 years. John was a good friend ,lawyer and most importantly a family man.

To on of the greatest friends anyone could have had - most sincere love and prayers to the Karnezis family, Turquist family, loved ones and friends. God is rejoicing to have JT with him in paradise and may he have mercy on us who continue to come to grips with this tragedy.
BK and Family

Your family is in my prayers. I will always remember John's smile and laugh. He was a GREAT guy!!

Dena,I just cant seem to find the words to tell you how sorry I am to hear the loss of John. My deepest sympathies are with you and your boys and family... You are in my thoughts and prayers always..

Dearest Dena, lads and all of the extended Karnezis family,

What a trerrific guy. The mere sight of him brought a smile to our faces. Despite his humor and love of fun he was always someone people would turn to, even though he was younger, for guidance and advice. We will all continue to turn to him for that same inspiration and when we are in need of a smile. God Bless him and all of you.

Bob, Laura, Bobby, Barry, Danny and Casey Walsh

John was not only an extraordinary lawyer but a human being. John was my adjunct professor in law school. You could see his smile, his effort and his dedication in him. But mostly after graduating he didnt forget me as we often met after court and he gave me his advice. May Angels be with him wherever he is. Vladan Milosevic, Esq.

I can't believe I was just speaking about John this weekend while on U of I's campus. I was walking past the LIR building and was telling my friends how I would study there with John, Michael Owens and Kathleen Geraghty. We didn't get a whole lot of studying accomplished but the laughs were plenty. I was fortunate to get to know John and I know from my sadness that he will be deeply missed. My heartfelt prayers go out to his entire family.

Sincerely,

Carol Zordani Enright

My deepest sympathies to the Karnezis family. I will keep you in my prayers.

I met John our first week at U of I at a party in a Newman Hall dorm room. I have so many memories of what a great guy he was. I always loved running into him. The last time I saw him was at a restaurant downtown. He flashed me his big smile and gave me one of his giant bear hugs. He will be missed. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this very sad time.

Dena
I can't seem to find the words. I have tried, but nothing seems like the right thing to say. Just know that I am thinking of you constantly, and praying for you and your beautiful boys.
Love, Lydia

Themis, Melodie and family,

We were deeply sadden to hear of the loss of your son and brother, John. Our hearts go out to your family, his wife and sons.

Karnezis and Paoletti families,
We're so sorry to hear about John. There are few people who laugh, welcome, listen and accept as easily as John did. We are so lucky to have known him and we are blessed knowing his boys will grow up to be just like their dad -- generous, joyful, and charismatic. There is saddness knowing his smile is gone, but comfort knowing how wonderful it was to have him close. Cherish those memories! Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.

Dena,
There are no words to express the sadness we all feel at this enormous loss of your husband John. While we did not get to know him well enough in the few years since we met him, we did immediately love him, respect him and enjoyed the time we did get to be with him. He was such a loving husband to you and loving father to your beautiful new sons. Everyone could see that in him. He always made us feel welcome. He will truly be missed by everyone whose life he touched. Our hearts and prayers are with all of you and we are here to help you in anyway we can. We love you dearly! Love, Angela, Dennis, Jess and Alyssa

To The Karnezis Family

My thoughts and sympathy are with your family at this moment.

Bev Calvert Lisle, IL

John taught me trial advocacy at John Marshall over 10 years ago. His zeal and passion inspired me to become a prosecutor and join the State's Attorney's office where I spent the first half of my legal career. I was extremely saddened to hear of his passing and extend my heartfelt condolences to his family. My thoughts and prayers are with you. May his memory be eternal.

I am deeply saddened at the loss of a dear friend. I knew JT from our days working together at COD's at U of I and Loyola Law School. He could always be counted on, whether it be for walking you home after a fun party at FIJI's or for a good laugh after a long day at law school. I was always proud to talk about John to my students at Truman College's paralegal torts class, and I show them videotapes of evidence deps and a day-in-the-life of film from a recent successful case. However, more then a successful lawyer he was a genuine gentleman and dear, dear friend that I will always have beautiful memories of. I am very, very saddened by the fact that his children didn't have more time with him. With a GREAT, GREAT loss. Words cannot express the profound sympathy
I wish to express to his wife, children and entire family. Please just know that he truly touched all the lives of those who knew him. God Bless you all and give you strength to get through this difficult time.

To Dena and family:
I was a classmate of John's at law school and was so sorry to hear of his very untimely death. He was an absolute joy to have in class, kept us in stitches with his lively and humorous comments during class about any case thrown at him to review. I was proud to see how accomplished he became in his law career. He will be sorely missed by everyone who knew him. I wish I could wave a magic wand to lessen your pain -- no one should have to go through the losses you have sustained. You are in my prayers and those of my family as well. Patti Mehler

I was heart broken to hear of JT's death. I knew him both in college at U of I, law school and as a colleague in the medical malpractice/PI legal community. His smiling face and awesome sense of humor lightened many long hours of studying in law school. Also, us girls could always count on JT to get us home safely after many fun parties at the Fiji house at U of I. Most recently, I received some videotapes of a deposition and day-in-the-life video from his very impressive judgment in a trucking case to show my students at Truman College. I am very proud to have known him. He was a great friend, and I am most saddened by the fact that his children will not get to know the extraordinary and special man that he was.
My deepest and most sincere condolences to his wife, sons and family.

I was heart -broken to hear of JT's death. I knew him both in college at U of I, law school and as a colleague in the medical malpractice/PI legal community. His smiling face and awesome sense of humor lightened many long hours of studying in law school. Also, us girls could always count on JT to get us home safely after many fun parties at the Fiji house at U of I. Most recently, I received some videotapes of a deposition and day-in-the-life video from his very impressive judgment in a trucking case to show my students at Truman College. I am very proud to have known him. He was a great friend, and I am most saddened by the fact that his children will not get to know the extraordinary and special man that he was. My deepest and most sincere sympathy to his wife, children and family.

One of the funniest, friendliest and most engaging guys I have ever known. We hadn't seen each other in years but exchanged emails a couple times a year, usually started by John about something he found hilarious. The wicked storm that hit our area yesterday was surely God's way of showing he is as upset about this as anyone, but that will likely change when John walks through the gates of heaven and flashes his million-dollar smile. Rest in peace JTK.

John was one of the sweetest, most genuine and charismatic individuals I have ever had the pleasure to work with. He was a person that could light up a room with his quick wit and heart of gold. He will truly be missed. My thoughts and prayers are with the entire family.

One of the friendliest, funniest, and most engaging guys I have ever known. We hadn't seen each other in years but exchanged emails a half-dozen times a year, usually started by John over something he found hilarious. The wicked storms that just hit our area are surely God's way of saying he's as upset about this as anyone. Rest in peace JTK.

I was so sorry to hear of your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with the Karnezis family. John will be greatly missed.

To the entire Karnezis Family, there are no words that can express my sorrow for your/our loss. The Karnezis Clan (especially Carie, John, Michael, Timmy and Tristan)and I, all grew up together at CK and then at Marist and because of the all the time we spent together as kids, we always had a special bond. Every time I saw John, we started with a great big hug and then a great big laugh. Your Son, Husband, Brother and Dad was a very special person that I will always remember with a smile. You will be in our prayers.

John was a good friend and bar colleague, and a great guy to be around. I was very saddened to hear the news. My deepest condolences to the family.

I knew John through our work together on many cases throughout the past 10 years. He became more than just a client, he became a friend to me as he always asked first about how I was doing or how my family was or how my wife's uncle was doing after his serious injury. When asked about his family, he was so happy to talk about his sons and seemed so proud of them and excited to be a Dad. I will miss his warm, genuine, friendly personality. My prayers are with Dena, his boys and his family. John Goebelbecker

I'm so sorry for your loss. From childhood through our careers, I have so thoroughly enjoyed John's company and friendship. He was humorous, clever, intense and thoughtful. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.

Matthew Burke

Our condolences to the entire Karnezis family. I first met John when I started teaching at Marist High School and immediately recognized a young man with a delightful personality and leadership qualities. He had such great school spirit! With such a loving family I am sure you will be supportive to one another.

Joe and Marge Geraghty

John will be missed by many. I have known John for almost 20 years and he always was good for a laugh and a good joke. My heart goes out to his wife and twins. God Bless. Nikolic Family

I never met a better person than John. He was as sincere as he was charismatic.

Mike McVady