Gus A. Karozos
August 29, 1917 ~ May 12, 2019
Gus A. Karozos, 101, of Indianapolis, passed away peacefully and surrounded by loved ones on Sunday, May 12, 2019 at Franciscan Hospice House in Indianapolis. Born August 29, 1917, in the village of Dereli, Greece, Gus was the son of Andrew and Evangelia (Smantli) Karozos. At the age of 12, Gus and his family immigrated to Warren, Ohio.
Gus proudly served his country as a Corporal in the 376th Field Artillery Battalion of the 82nd Airborne Division of the United States Army during World War II; his unit of paratroopers was among the first to jump prior to D-Day in 1944. Upon his honorable discharge in 1944, Gus was the recipient of two Purple Hearts.
He attended THE Ohio State University, where he met his future bride Irene (Pappas) and on June 15, 1947 they were married, and she preceded him in death on April 16, 2008. Gus received a Bachelor’s Degree in International Studies from OSU which led to his career as a Sales Manager of Foreign Commerce for M&R Labs in Columbus, Ohio and CB Kendall in Indianapolis. During the late 1940’s and early 1950’s Gus sold powdered milk, ice cream and Similac by correspondence to the Middle East and traveled for months at a time to Central and South America selling pharmaceuticals. Later, Gus enjoyed a successful career in insurance sales as a General Agent for Franklin Life Insurance Company and Crown Life for more than 50 years. He was also one of the original eleven investors who developed the land that became El Dorado (Dye’s Walk) Country Club.
Gus was a faithful past member and past president of Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church in Indianapolis and is currently a member of Holy Apostles Greek Orthodox Church on Central Avenue in Indianapolis. He was also a past member of A.H.E.P.A. and the Sertoma Club.
Along with his loving wife, Gus is preceded in death by his parents and sister, Polixeni.
Survivors include his four children, Evelyn A. Karozos of Indianapolis, Andrew C. Karozos of Healdsburg, California, James C. (Amy) Karozos of Indianapolis, and Joan E. (Scott Locke) Karozos of Indianapolis; and five grandchildren, Patrick and Christopher Shea and Stephanie, Samuel and Peter Karozos.
Family and friends will gather to celebrate the life of Gus Karozos from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 16, 2019 in the Daniel F. O’Riley Funeral Home, 6107 S. East Street, Indianapolis. The Trisagion service will begin at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday at the funeral home. Additional calling will begin at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, May 17, 2019 in the funeral home with the funeral service beginning at 11:00 a.m. on Friday at the funeral home. Burial will follow at Crown Hill Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a memorial contribution to Holy Apostles Greek Orthodox Church, 4550 N. Central Avenue, Indianapolis, Indiana 46205; envelopes will be provided at the funeral home. Visit www.OrileyFuneralHome.com where you may express online condolences to the Karozos family.
View current weather.
Memories Timeline
Guestbook
Sign the Guestbook, Light a Candle
Jeff and i met Gusthe first time when he came to our first home and sold us our Life insurance and as we had our kids he took care.of them too……they loved getting that gum on their birthdays every year. It was a pleasure to take care of you in the last weeks of your life. I will always remember our conversations and you calling me pretty lady. Rest in Heaven sweet Gus…..there will never be another one like you ♡
Gus always treated me like one of his own–even when I might have talked back a bit! Tough, sweet, smart, funny, and so determined. I am honored to have been “one of the family” for 45+ years. Godspeed, Gus. And Ev, Andy, Joannie, and Jim–wrapping my arms around all of you. Wish I were there to pay homage. Love you.
To My Dearest Uncle Gus, I send love and give thanks every day for my good fortune of having you and Aunt Irene take a special interest in my upbringing in my most formative years growing up. It was a gift and blessing to share in your love, parental guidance and mentorship that will never be forgotten. Evelyn, Andy, Jim and Joanie, my heart goes out to you as a cousin and step brother of sorts for allowing me to be a part of your loving family and home, your Mom and Dad made for us all. I share this tribute with you and send my deepest love and condolences for your loss. I know I’m a better person today because of what your parents were to me throughout my life. Sorry to not be there in person, but embrace you with my love from afar. Uncle Gus may you now and ever rest in peace; you so richly deserve. God bless, Nephew Chris
Gus and Irene were good to us when we first came to town. They made time for us and gave us much love. There will always be a warm spot in our hearts for them R.I.P Gus
Evelyn, So very sorry to hear about your dad – love the picture above. He very much looks as I remembered him, although that has been many, many years ago. May you and your family be comforted by the many wonderful memories you have of your father and your mother and know that they are together now in heaven. Prayers for comfort! Tami Weaver Still
My sincerest condolences for your loss. During such difficult times God is close to us as a source of comfort (Psalm 34:18). May you find strength and peace through prayer and his word the Bible.
I had the pleasure of meeting Gus shortly after we married in 1979. He would call us and send those pieces of gum for our kids birthdays. The greatest time I spent with Gus was taking care of him the last weeks of his life at the hospice house. You touched so many lives Gus I know God made a special place for you in heaven.