Obituary of Charles K. Karis

Charles K. Karis, 81, of Peabody, a retired professor emeritus with the Psychology Department at Northeastern University, died Saturday at the NSMC Salem Hospital in Salem. He was the devoted husband of 56 years to Lucy (Handakas) Karis. Charles was born in Peabody on June 20, 1932, the son of the late Kyriakos and Alexanthra Kiriazis and was a graduate of Peabody High School and Boston University where he received his Bachelor of Arts, his masters and his Doctorate degrees. He was a tenured professor at Northeastern University for 35 years retiring in 1997. He and a few of his associates in the Psychology Department formed a lifelong friendship, meeting frequently in a group humorously referred to a meeting of the Freuds. Charlie loved spending time reading the Boston Globe, doing crosswords puzzles and acrostics, and faithfully watching the New England Patriots; win or lose he was a tried and true fan. He was a member of St. Vasilios Men’s Club. He was an avid learner with particular interest in war history. He loved to travel to places of historic and cultural significance; and because of his outgoing nature, he always picked up new friends along the way. Charlie will be most remembered for his sense of humor and quick wit. He is survived by his wife, Lucy, his daughters, Andrea and her husband Gerardo Belmonte of Medford, Gabrielle Carruth of Arlington, VA and her children Charles Zachary , Alissa and Maxwell; and Lucy Karis of Lynnfield and her children, Charles and Laila. He was the brother of the late Theodor “Teddy” Kiriazis who he loved dearly. A Visitation will be held on Wednesday from 5:00 until 8:00 PM at the Conway, Cahill-Brodeur Funeral Home at the 82 Lynn St., Peabody facility. His funeral will be held on Thursday at 9:00 AM from the Funeral home followed by Services in St. Vasilios Greek Orthodox Church, Paleologos St., Peabody at 10:00 AM. Burial will the in Cedar Grove Cemetery, Peabody. Expressions of sympathy may be made to MGH/ North Shore Cancer Center, 102 Endicott St., Danvers, MA 01923 in his memory.