David P. "Harvard" Karras

WARWICK- David P. “Harvard” Karras, 73, of Wendell Road, died on Saturday, January 13, 2024 at Athol Hospital after being stricken ill at home.

Born in Hyannis on October 5, 1950, Harvard was the son of Louis K. and Elizabeth J. (Crowell) Karras and grew up in Barnstable, graduating from Barnstable Vocational School.

Harvard was always interested in mechanics and started working while in high school for William Jones Service Station and learned to repair International trucks and buses.

While living in Barnstable, he served on the Barnstable Fire Department as a fireman and part of the EMS.

Eventually moving to Gardner and Western Massachusetts, Harvard worked for Whitmore Poultry farms and several automotive service garages. He then took a job with the Town of Orange Highway Department where he worked as a truck driver and mechanic and worked there for over 20 years before retiring.

Being with and helping family was important to Harvard. He loved NASCAR and gardening, as well as his new tractor.

Harvard was on the board of the Dare to Dream Educational Farm Program at Crimson Acres in Orange.

Survivors include the love  of his life, Priscilla Curtis of Warwick; a son, David P. Karras of Athol; a grandson, David P. Karras Jr. of Athol; siblings, Louis J. “Buddy” Karras and his wife, Naomi, of Green Valley, AZ, Betty Lou Hindle of Harwich, Terry Karras and his wife, Patty, of Barnstable, Sandra Whitmore and her husband, Butch, of Orange, Nancy Lech and her husband, Stephan, of Pepperrell, and Barbara Baker and her husband, Jeff, of Prospect, ME.  Harvard also leaves many nephews, nieces, grandnephews and grandnieces; an aunt, Marion Whittenmeyer of Barnstable; an uncle, Teddy Karras and his wife, Mary Lou, of Yarmouth; and many friends

Besides his parents, Harvard was predeceased by numerous family members.

There are no calling hours.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, January 27, 2024 from 12 noon until 4 p.m. at the Ellinwood Country Club, 1928 Pleasant Street, Athol.

Donations in Harvard’s memory can be made to Dare to Dream Educational Farm Program, Inc., 16 Daniel Shays Highway, Orange, MA 01364.

Witty’s Funeral Home, 158 South Main Street, Orange, is assisting the family.

Guest book online at WWW.WITTYFUNERALHOME.COM

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