Charles “Charlie” Karafotias, of Medfield and Millis, MA, passed away peacefully on Friday, September 30, 2022 with his supportive and loving family by his bedside.
Charlie was born in 1941 to his late parents, Nicholas and Georgia (Boutzarelos), in Tripolis, Greece. Wanting to give their son the best opportunity to succeed, Charlie sailed alone to America at the young age of 14 with no luggage and only a new pair of shoes. He was greeted and raised with love by his paternal Uncle John and Aunt Angela Karafotias and their loving daughter, Nancy Walsh, whom he shared a special bond with upon her recent death.
As the co-owner of The Pig-n-Whistle Diner in Brighton, MA for 40+ years, his work ethic was strong and commendable. “If you can work with the public, you can do anything in life.” Charlie was nicknamed “Fast” and his business partner, Charles, was nicknamed “Slow”; they were like a well-oiled machine that never faltered while serving their long-lasting customers.
His American dream was further fulfilled when he married the love of his life, Pauline. They were inseparable until her death in 2016, after he and his family lovingly cared for her during her illness.
Charlie will be remembered most of all for his strong dedication to his family and his roots. He never forgot where he came from and raised his children knowing that in life, you must work hard to succeed. He was generous with his advice, and he nourished the hearts and souls of many who were blessed to know him. His selflessness and his will to live made us all more determined to withstand life’s challenges.
His greatest accomplishment was the family he proudly raised, who will continue to carry on his legacy. Charlie is survived by his three loving and dedicated children: Georgia Colivas and her husband Andrew from Medfield, MA; Christina Pentikis from Franklin, MA; Nicholas Karafotias and his wife Katina from Middleton, MA. Papou Charlie was most proud of his 5 grandchildren, Michael, Paulina, James, Charlie, and Ali, who all adored and respected him. He was blessed to have supportive nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends that decorated his heart from close by or from far away. You all know who you are.
His memorable days were spent on Cape Cod where his family would gather at the “Beach House” and he would have a bird’s eye view of what everyone was doing. Spending time in his vegetable garden was Charlie’s therapy, where he would take pride in growing an abundance of tomatoes, zucchini, and green beans− a labor of love to many.
On Thursday, October 6, 2022, there will be a visitation from 5:00-7:00 p.m. at Roberts Mitchell Caruso Funeral Home, 15 Miller Street, Medfield, MA. Funeral services will be held on Friday, October 7, 2022 at 11 a.m. at the Taxiarchae Archangels Greek Orthodox Church, 25 Bigelow Avenue, Watertown, MA. Burial will be at Vine Lake Cemetery, 625 Main Street, Medfield, MA. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the above named church in Charlie’s memory.
You will continue to be our guiding source of strength and inspiration. Rest in eternal peace. We love you.