Athanasios Karapanagiotis (Tom Karas), age 82, of Hockessin, Delaware, passed away peacefully on December 21, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.
Tom was born in Athens, Greece, to the late John and Stamatia Karapanagiotis. In 1955, he immigrated to the United States with his family, beginning a life defined by hard work, faith, and a deep devotion to family and community.
He graduated from P.S. DuPont High School in 1961 and later attended Goldey-Beacom College, earning an associate’s degree in accounting. On February 6, 1966, Tom married the love of his life, Klairy Papanicolas. They shared 45 years together until Klairy’s passing on July 19, 2011. Together, they raised two children, Moley and Yianny, and built a life rooted in love, family, and community.
For 25 years, Tom and Klairy owned and operated Sandwich Corner in Wilmington. To many, Tom was more than a business owner. He was a familiar face, a warm welcome, and part of the rhythm of everyday life for countless customers and friends.
Tom was a lifelong and devoted member of Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Wilmington. As a child, he served as an altar boy and played basketball through the church community. As an adult, he remained deeply involved for decades, serving on the Parish Council, participating in AHEPA, coaching GOYA basketball teams, and helping lead the gyro stand at the Cathedral’s Greek Festival, a place where his energy and generosity were felt by so many.
Known for his warm and exuberant personality, Tom had a lifelong love of music and dancing. He took special pride in being a “Spotlight Dancer” on American Bandstand. Above all, his greatest joy came from time with family and friends, especially his beloved grandchildren, who were the light of his life.
In addition to his parents, wife, and son, Tom was preceded in death by his brothers Peter (Taki), Michael, and Chris, and his sister Demetra Giannaras.
He is survived by his daughter, Moley Evans, and her husband, Nicholas, of Arlington, Virginia; his cherished grandchildren, Charlotte and Will Evans; his godson and nephew, Andy Papanicolas; and many nieces, nephews, brothers- and sisters-in-law, and dear friends.
Funeral Services
A viewing will be held on Tuesday, December 30, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 808 N. Broom Street, Wilmington, Delaware, followed by the funeral service at 11:30 a.m. Interment will take place at Silverbrook Cemetery in Wilmington immediately following the service.