Obituaries

Kristopher “Big Kris” Karnis, age 43, of Avoca and a Moosic native, passed away unexpectedly at home on Monday evening after a recent illness.
Born on March 21, 1979 and raised in Moosic, Kris was the son of the late Eileen “Gig-Gee” (Brown) Karnis.
A 1998 graduate of Riverside High School, Kris certainly left his mark on the football field while playing for the Vikings. An absolute force at tackle, he was a leader of one the area’s all-time best teams, the 1997 PIAA Class A runners-up. A Times-Tribune all-league player, he was also a starter for the 1998 City-County Dream Game. He next went on to start for Lackawanna College where he also stood out on the gridiron despite enduring a major injury. For years, Kris became a familiar face at the Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs where he worked as the security department manager. His co-workers grew into his extended family and his call sign 201 will forever be remembered.
His work ethic was impressive, rarely missing work while also working for DeAngelo Landscaping where he and his riding lawn mower were always on the job. Frank and Fran treated him like family.
As imposing a figure as Kris was, all who knew him referred to him as a gentle giant. He was compassionate, empathetic, the kindest of souls, and his smile was infectious. To know him was to love and adore him. His friends became his family and anyone who met him has their very own “Big Kris” story.
Despite the shocking loss, his family and friends will ensure Kris’ spirit long lives on through the countless memories he leaves behind. Anyone who met Kris, quickly learned of the love he had for his niece and nephew, Cole and Paige, whom he adored. They were his world. He touched everyone’s life with his gentle spirit and left an impact on so many.
He is survived by his beloved sister and best friend, Melissa Dymek and husband Brian of Moscow; his loving niece and nephew, Paige and Cole Dymek; his adoring significant other, Maria Gaidula of Moosic; and many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.
On December 20th, Kris was preceded in death by his godmother, Robin (Coleman) Kuchinski.
A Funeral Mass is scheduled for Saturday at 11 a.m. at Queen of the Apostles Parish, 715 Hawthorne Street in Avoca, to be celebrated by the Rev. Phil Sladicka, pastor. Family and friends may pay their respects from 10 a.m. until Mass at the church.
Arrangements are under the care of the Thomas P. Kearney Funeral Home Inc., 517 N. Main St., Old Forge. Please visit the funeral home’s website for directions or to leave a condolence.