Eugene L. Karaman

Eugene Lubomyr Karaman (Gene, “Henio”) passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Thursday, September 11, 2025, declining suddenly after several years of chronic illnesses at the age of 71. 

Eugene was born in Philadelphia, PA on May 26th, 1954 to parents Michael and Lubomyra Karaman, who had immigrated to Philadelphia from Lviv, Ukraine through Ellis Island in 1949. 

Eugene was raised in the Fairmount neighborhood of Philadelphia, PA on 22nd Street between Parish and Poplar Streets with his two older brothers Jaromyr and Dionisij Karaman until he got married and raised a family in Ambler, PA.  He met his wife, Mary Joanna (Olchowecky), through the Ukrainian-American community in Cape May, NJ and they married on September 29th, 1984, enjoying approximately 41 years of loving marriage together. 

Eugene was a graduate of Central High School in Philadelphia.  He received a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Villanova University and a Masters in Engineering Management from Drexel University, which prepared him for his long career as a mechanical engineer and project manager.  He started his career working for Sunoco for 21 years and went on to work for Orbital Engineering, Middough Inc., Jacobs Engineering, URS Corporation, and AECOM prior to retiring.

Eugene lived for his family and loved them dearly.  He valued celebrating Ukrainian traditions and holidays throughout the year.  He enjoyed taking trips with his family and friends to Cape May and Wildwood, NJ in the summers, where he had a motorboat, “Rinky Dink”, and would often go out on fishing trips.  Eugene was an avid, longtime Philadelphia Eagles fan, holding season tickets at Veterans Stadium for many years.  He was a charismatic storyteller with a great sense of humor whose laugh could fill a room. 

Eugene is predeceased by his brother Jaromyr, brother Dionisij, and parents Lubomyra and Michael.  Eugene is survived by his wife Mary, son Michael, daughter Joanna, and son-in-law Jochanan Samama.  He is also survived by his sister-in-law Marta, her daughter Christina and husband Vince Oddo, her daughter Lidia; sister-in-law Halyna, her daughter Natalka and husband Erik Blashak, her daughter Sofia; sister-in-law Olga and husband Taras Midzak, their son Paul and his wife Liv Raddatz, their son Andrew and his wife Malena Rone; brother-in-law Roman and wife Mariana Olchowecky, their daughter Kateryna and her husband Christopher Puia, their son Roman and his wife Jessica, their son Andrew and his fiancé Bridget, and their daughter Kristina. And the following great nephews and nieces: Cy, Theo, Ollie, Kai, Maia, Henning, Nora, Skylar, and Sophie.

In lieu of flowers, donations in his honor can be made to support aid to Ukraine through the efforts of the family’s parish. To do so, please send a check to "Annunciation of the BVM Ukrainian Catholic Church” with “Ukraine Aid” in the memo, mailed to 1206 Valley Rd, Melrose Park, PA 19027.

Relatives and friends are invited to Gene's funeral on Saturday at 9 AM at Annunciation BVM Ukrainian Catholic Church.  Requiem Liturgy will be celebrated at 10 AM.  Burial will follow at St. Mary's Ukrainian Catholic Cemetery.

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