Obituaries

Francis P. Karam, 85, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family on Christmas evening, December 25, 2013. His wife of 58 years is the former Alice Cotter. He is the son of the late Soloman and Hesna Karam.
He was a member of Saint Ann’s Maronite Church, Scranton, and was a daily communicant for over 50 years at Saint Peter’s Cathedral in Scranton. He was a graduate of Saint Paul’s High School, Scranton, and the University of Scranton, Class of 1961. He was a U.S. Army veteran with a commendation for exemplary conduct.
Following his service in the Army, Frank served as a Scranton City Police Officer for 44 years. He rose through every rank, from patrolman through the Superintendant of Police. He was the first Scranton Policeman to receive a college bachelor’s degree. His continuing education in law enforcement also included extensive training at the FBI Academy in Quantico, Virginia. His many honors and commendations included receiving the Pennsylvania Law Enforcement Officer of the Year from the Pennsylvania Veterans of Foreign War, the Citizen of the Year from the Scranton Elks Lodge, the Champion of Youth Award from the Boys and Girls Club of Northeastern Pennsylvania, and the Governor Robert P. Casey Medal for a Lifetime of Service from Neighborhood Housing Services. A Knight of Columbus of the Fourth Degree, he served on numerous law enforcement, civic and charitable boards.
Frank was a kind and gentle man who respected all those he met. His life was centered on faith, family and friends, and his passing on Christmas was truly fitting given his great faith.
He is also survived by his three sons, Attorney Francis P. Karam and wife Lisa of New York, New York, Thomas Karam and wife Flora of Waverly, and Attorney Gerard Karam and wife Dawn of Dickson City. Frank had eight beloved grandchildren, Nikolas, Benjamin and Sophia Karam, Elizabeth and Thomas Karam, and Camille, Francis and Alexander Karam. He is also survived by eight brothers and sisters, Sally Yovish and husband Robert of Dunmore, William Karam and wife Marie of Waverly, Joseph A. Karam of Scranton, Theresa Zuerblis and husband William of Clarks Summit, Mary Ann Horutz and husband Robert of Clarks Summit, Marlene Karam of Scranton, Albert Karam and wife Marie of Chapman Lake, Evelyn Karam of Scranton; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was also preceded in death by a brother, John Karam.
His family would like to express its gratitude to Dr. Arthur Jordan, a kindred spirit, for providing daily communion and spiritual companionship during Frank’s illness. They also thank Dr. Anees Fogley for his years of compassionate care and friendship.
Funeral services are scheduled to begin on Monday at 8:30AM from the Kevin K. Kearney Funeral Home, Inc., 125 North Main Avenue, Scranton, with a 9:30AM Mass of Christian Burial at Saint Peter’s Cathedral, 315 Wyoming Avenue in Scranton. Interment with full military rites by the AMVETS Honor Guard will follow in Sacred Heart Cemetery, Scranton.
Relatives and friends may pay their respects on Sunday between 3-7:00PM at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Frank’s name to either The Boys and Girls Club of Northeastern Pennsylvania, 609 Ash Street, Scranton, 18510 or to Saint Joseph’s Center, 2010 Adams Avenue, Scranton, 18509.