Gary Karasinski

Karasinski, Gary, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family on Thursday, January 5. He was a life-long Grand Rapids resident born on the Feast Day of St. Joseph, March 19, 1946, the son of Marie and Val. Known for his generous spirit and passion for fostering the best in people, Gary dedicated his career to education, students, their families, and school staff. Director of Student Support Services at Aquinas College, Gary graduated from Western Michigan University and Grand Valley State University. For 39 years, Gary was a much admired teacher, football coach, and high school administrator. He especially enjoyed adventuring outdoors, antiquing, and tinkering, with and for, his beloved wife Ann, who survives. He was adoring father to sons Christopher (Amy) and Jason Karasinski and Andrew Huizen and daughters Katie and Margaret (James) Becker. He was doting grandfather to Sean Ryan, Sophia, Lily, Jackson, Carter, Cole, Chase, Brady, Lily, Caleb, and Olivia and devoted brother to Richard (Gerrie), Fred (Noreen), Virginia (Mike) Dufort, Ron (Margaret), and Cora. He leaves many relatives, colleagues, friends and his uncle Ed Owsinski and will be remembered for his wonderful life, well lived. Visitation will be 6-8pm Thursday, January 12 at Bukowski Chapel at Aquinas College. Memorial Mass will be at 10am on Friday, January 13 presided by Fr. Phil Shangraw and Sr. Janet Brown at the Dominican Chapel at Marywood. The family will receive visitors an hour earlier. In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution in Gary's memory to the Louis and Florence Hogan Burns Scholarship, benefiting first generation students, at Aquinas College. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Gary Karasinski please visit our Sympathy Store.