Richie Karp : Obituary

Richie Karp, after a long illness died peacefully on October 5, 2012 in his log cabin in the Blue Ridge Mountains surrounded by nature, his dogs, kitty and loving wife.Born a New Yorker in 1943, he spent most of his life on Long Island. He attended Hofstra University. His natural sales abilities were obvious to all when in grade school he would go early morning claming, then bicycle to all the restaurants in town and sell Richard’s Fresh Clams. His incredible work ethic, honesty and customer service helped him to become the National Sales manager for Silverline Windows and their liaisons with Home Depot for the exclusive line of windows, American Craftsman, created for their customers. Upon winning the first of three awards for Vendor of the Year from Home Depot, one of their execs commented, “Richie, I thought you worked for Home Depot.” Richie always considered it the highest work related compliment he ever received.

Richie was the first man to win custody of his child in the New York State courts and he loved his children passionately. He was considered a true mentor by everyone that worked for him, and loved by everyone that ever met him. He never met a stranger and never passed up the opportunity to bring a smile to anyone. He is survived by his wife Louisa; his children, Shari Karp, Scott and Pamela Karp; his grandchildren, Olivia, Sam and Daniel Karp; stepsons and their wives, Gary and Susan Gervitz, Lee and Laurel Gervitz; his grandchildren, Jordan and Camille Gervitz; his sister and her husband, Jackie and Barry Pegalis; his brother and wife, Mark and Julie Karp.

It was his wish to be cremated and his ashes scattered. So if you are one of the lucky ones that will miss him just look up—- he’s floating around smiling and wishing you love filled days. When the wind blows just right you’ll hear his laugh, and his voice ringing.