T
homas Spiro Karambelas was born on May 7, 1965 in Wichita, Kansas. He passed away on September 4, 2016 at his home in Safety Harbor, Florida.
Family
He is survived by his loving family; father Thomas Spiro Karambelas, Sr., sister Kim (Matthew) Stauber, nieces Ava and Kate Stauber, nephew Quentin Thomas Stauber, aunt Susan Karambelas and several dear family friends and loyal marine buddies. He is preceded in death by his beloved grandparents, Betty and James Karambelas and uncles Jim, Chris and Steven.
Life
Tom was an avid fisherman who loved fishing on Pier 60 in Clearwater with his dad. His nieces and nephew also adored fishing with their Uncle Tom.
Military
MSgt. Karambelas entered the Marine Corps on August 27, 1987 at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego. He worked for over ten years as an Aircraft Rescue and Firefighter in the Marine Corps serving a majority of that time as section leader. He was stationed at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni from 1988 to 1990, Marine Corps Base Hawaii for 3 months in 1990, Desert Storm/Shield for 5 months in 1991, back to Marine Corps Base Hawaii from 1991 to 1993. He also served during Operation Iraqi Freedom with the Marine Wing Support Squadron 273, better known as the Sweathogs, providing ground support operations at Al Asad Airbase in Iraq. His final duty station was served at Marine Corps Base Quantico until he was honorably discharged. MSgt Karambelas was frequently cited by his superiors as being an exemplary Marine. Major R.T. Piester commented in a promotion letter stating,
“SGT Karambelas’s leadership, tactical and technical skills are unequaled by all Marines I have observed in his grade and exceeds that of most of his seniors within his MOS. He is a superb example of the Marines we want to represent our Corps and its leadership.”
Major D.W. Mack shared similar comments on then SSGT Karambelas as
“An honest hardworking SNCO who will not let you down. Without a doubt the best SSGT I have ever seen.”
Awards and Decorations
At the time of his retirement MSgt Karambelas was eligible to wear three Navy and Marine Corps Commendations Medals, the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, two Navy Unit Commendations, the Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation, six Good Conduct Awards, two National Defense Service Medals, three Southwest Asia Service Medals, the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Korea Defense Service Medal, three Navy Sea Service Deployment Medals, two Marine Corps Oversees Service Ribbons, the Saudi Arabian Kuwait Liberation Medal, the Kuwait Medal for Liberation as well as his designation as a Rifle and Pistol Expert.
Services
A memorial service to honor the life of MSgt Thomas Karambelas is scheduled for Friday, October 14, 2016 at 10:00 am at Bay Pines National Cemetery. Military honors will be provided by the United States Marine Corps as well as Marine Corps League Detachment 54 from Largo, Florida.
Special Acknowledgements
In lieu of flowers the family requests that memorial contributions be made to the Semper Fi Fund.
Friends and family are invited to share a memory and sign his guestbook below.
So glad we met at your sisters wedding. So proud of you but sad to not see you again.you will be remembered forever!
So glad we met at your sisters wedding. So proud of you but sad to not see you again.you will be remembered forever!
To the Karambelos,
May Tom’s memory be eternal.
Georgi and Steve
“Little” Tommy:
We watched you play in the park as a little boy, learn to fish (and fish and fish!) and become an honored Marine. We were proud of you then, now and forever. Gone much too soon – we love you and miss you but smile at the memories.
Rest well,
Becky
Dear Karambelas Family,
We are extremely saddened to hear of Tommy’s passing. We cannot imagine what you are going through and hope that we can be there for you in any way possible.
Tommy was a great kid whom I was proud to call my little brother. He grew up to be an even greater man, defending our country on foreign soil and really making something out of his life. I know many depended on his leadership while most of us could always count on his kind and gentle nature.
We will never forget his little giggle and even sweeter smile. He was and will always be my little brother.
We will miss him forever!
Mark & Sheryl Swinford
KB and I served together at Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, S.C. Master Sergeant Karambelas was respected and admired for his leadership and his technical expertise within the Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting community. All his military accomplishments never overshadowed his genuine love for Marines and the Marine Corps. He was approachable, personable, and admired by all who knew him. Countless Marines who had the honor to serve with him over his decades of service to his country share the Karambelas Family loss.
Cheers KB, until we meet again.
Semper Fi,
Charles Thompson
CWO3, U.S. Marine Corps (Ret)
Condolences to the family. We’re so sorry to hear of his passing, he was a GREAT Marine. My husband and I both worked with and knew him while we were stationed in Japan and South Carolina. He will greatly be missed. Semper Fidelis
Rest in Peace KB you will be missed. Till we meet again at the Crash Barn at Valhalla. To his family you have my deepest condolences on the passing of a great friend and Marine.
Rest easy brother. It was great serving with you at Quantico. You were a Marine’s Marine. Straight shooter and fair with us all.
Semper Fi bro… keep a spot ready for us at the crash table ;)
Dear Karambelas Family,
I am truly saddened by the news of Tom passing. I was stationed with Tom in the Gulf and then when we returned to
K-Bay. Several years later I had the opportunity to have him as my Crash Chief at Quantico. He was very well respected and admired within the MOS.
Tom,
I still remember when you approached me over in the Gulf telling me you were supposed to be attached to the ARFF and you were with the grunts and I just took you with me back to our base.
Rest in peace knowing that the world is a better place because of your decision to become a Marine. You served this country well.
Semper Fi!
RIP Tom. I miss our nights on the Broad River bridge shark fishing. Thanks for being a great mentor. I am proud to have served with you. Prayers going out to your family.
I had the honor of serving under KB in Quantico, he was a true leader and mentor. He will be missed, God bless. “Pete”
I worked with KB in Iwakuni Japan for several years. He always had the respect of his leaders and the Marines he lead. I am saddened to see him leave so early. Surely there are still people out there who could use his help and mentorship.
Semper fi KB
Keith Johnson
MSgt, USMC retired
R.I.P.
I served with him. Great guy and better Marine.
MSgt Karambelas (or “KB” as most of us knew him) was an exceptional Marine, a standout amongst his peers. He was the “go to” guy for challenging assignments. I had the honor to serve with him during the Persian Gulf War and at Quantico, VA, both times as his Officer in Charge. His fun loving, kind nature was contagious. I have never seen him in a bad mood. His technical savvy was above board and his military presents was sterling. He was well respected as a Marine, a Firefighter and as a Leader. I was deeply saddened by the news of his passing. To his family, I offer my deepest condolences.
God must have needed a damn fine Marine in Heaven. Semper Fi KB!
Respectfully,
David Wiles
CWO3 USMC Retired
Salina, KS
Condolences to the Karambelas family during this challenging time of loss. I was stationed with Tom in Beaufort, as fellow a Marine, that ran SNCOIC’s. What I can tell you about Tom is that he was driven. We often bantered over coffee and leadership issues many times along with his conspiracy theories. Neither one of us could keep our mouths shut when something needed to be addressed. Conclusion would be drawn and respect for each other was alway apparent, as he looked out for my Marines as much as I did his. Born only 15 days apart, and a fellow Taurus, even though like 2 bulls in a ring at times, we were always friends. Tom you are missed, Semper Fi Brother, RIP.
There is no doubt in my mind the Marine Corps and the United States of America lost one of the best. Fortunately the memories of him will last forever. Truly a great example as a man and a mentor to young Marines. A great friend also. Had the pleasure to serve with KB and can honestly say one of the finest men I have ever met. A true leader. Semper Fi Marine – Job well done.
Barry
RIP Tom you were a great friend and Lynn and I will hold many memories from Iwakuni close to our heart.
My Wife and I are saddened to hear of Tom’s passing. I served with Tom in Kaneohe, HI. I believe he considered us his second Family in Hawaii, he was a big part of our family and always welcome at our home. He always had a smile and a helping hand for all. The memories of Tom will live forever in our hearts. We are truly sorry for your loss. Our deepest condolences to your family. We plan on being at Tom’s Memorial Service to honor his memory.
Until we meet again my friend, Semper Fi.
Alan Beard, GySgt, USMC. (Ret)
I don’t even know where to begin; very sad news to receive. KB, I will forever remember your wonderful sense of humor, your love for the Marine Corps, poker games on Friday nights, bar-b-ques, birthday parties, Thanksgivings, laughs; lots of laughs, so many great times and wonderful memories shared with you! Rest in peace my brother……
We had some good times KB…RIP brother! God Speed and Semper Fi
We served together in Iwakuni. Tom was well like and respected by all. Gone too soon. Semper Fi Marine!
I don’t follow social media in almost any form. My wife (Julie) does. She’s the one who notifies me of current events, often by total surprise. When she hears about someone that she believes we both might know. she will ask me, “Do you remember this guy or know that guy?”
After work today She said, “I’m sure I remember him, do you remember this guy? I was heart broken today to see KB’s picture and read of his passing. I served with “KB” in K-Bay. I do know his full name but he was just “KB” to most of us. In official capacity, during my time, it was Cpl Karambelas and then Sgt Karambelas. When it was time to shed some military bearing it was just “KB.”
I’m sure KB wasn’t his only nick name. He may of had more than a few in his time but the one I love the most was “The Tan Man.” That nick name matched him perfectly back then! He was not only young, confident, but boy did he have the same good looks of George Hamilton. He also truly had the tan to match! Yea, KB knew it too. For all of us rough neck Marines, he was like our own in house movie star.
He was a true charmer. He had a way of making you feel like every word he said came from deep within his heart. That might have actualy been very true. He was a very passionate leader and person in general. Even with his super star good looks, he was a suprisingly humble man in many ways. He also had a big heart and was very close to his Marines, his boys, his friends. He did his best to lead by example. You naturally felt good doing for him because you always felt like he would do for you.
I will leave with just (3) things more to say about KB. My heart is to heavy to continue much longer. They may sound strange, they may even have a shared memory for a few. To me, they will always mean KB to me, they will always make me smile and think of him.
1) “Back to front, middle to middle, never say that I didn’t give you a little.” Actualy seen that line in action!
2) Late 70’s Monte Carlo. AKA; Battle Ship Galactica. Still Don’t know why I bought that bucket from him. Don’t know how “agreeing to let him borrow it from time to time” also got into that deal? Yep, he was a charmer : )
3) Twice baked potatoes. To this day I can’t see, smell, or eat them without thinking of him.
His memory is much bigger than this. These are just a few light hearted things that are now bringing tears to my eyes.
God Speed KB! Loved, respected, and well missed forever!
Semper Fidelis! Robert Jon Duke
To the Karambelas family
I’m very sadden for the lost of your son and a very respectful Marine , KB worked with me in Iwakuni Japan as my right hand man on Crew, very well liked by his peers and always teaching his leadership skills . I’ll miss him dearly, the thing I’ll miss most is his serious looks with a smile,funny and caring, I visited him also at MCAS Quantico rip my friend Semper Fi.
It was a pleasure sharking fishing in SC with you Tom. RIP brother.
I remember Tom as one of my hard charging young Sergeants at Quantico. No matter what assignment he was given, I knew the result would be outstanding. He would have it no other way. He was thoroughly dedicated to our mission and HIS Marines! In reviewing the fitness reports I wrote on him, he was always ranked #1 among his peers. ‘KB’ was one of the finest Marines I had the pleasure to serve with.
Via Con Dios, Marine.
Dear Karambelas Family
I am truly saddened by the news of Tom passing. Tom was my room mate in Iwakuni Japan. Some of the tails I could tell of him and the thing we did I will save the best of them for beers with our brothers in arms. We went to EMT school together and tied for second in the class full of Navy Corpsmen the person that pull first had been a EMT for 9 years not to bad for a just Fire Fighter as the corpsman called us. Man could KB cook the food he would put together on just the grill out side was always over the top.
Gone much too soon.
Semper fi KB
Allen Gates
GSgt, USMC retired
My condolences to the family. I served with KB in hawaii, Japan, and Quantico. Great Marine, better friend. We fished, gambled, laughed, our kids played together. He will truly be missed.
Even though i only met Tom when he moved to safety harbor , i’ve never met a better man , friend and customer than Tom ! With all his fishing yarns , cooking recipies, stories about his dad & his dog ,and poker night , Tom would share this with me ! My wife and I will truely and sadly miss our friend tom ! Condolences to the Karambelas family !
Oh my, I am so sorry to hear. KB was with me in Japan and Hawaii in the 80’s and 90’s. He stood up in my wedding in Walnut Creak Ca. and he was defiantly my best friend in Hawaii. He is the reason I found my lovely wife. I had been looking for him on Facebook since I started with Facebook and talked with him several years ago. I can’t believe this is what I found. I am so sorry for your loss. I was sharing stories about our good times just last week. He was the most faithful friend I have ever had. I am truly heart broken to hear.
Rich Pryor
My condolences to the family and friends. RIP Master Sergeant, thank you for your outstanding service. Respectfully:
Henry D Hyde SRC District 5
Patriot Guard Riders
To the Karambelas family,
It’s been many years since I’ve spoken to Tom and I was deeply saddened last night to hear of his passing.
I will remember his love for the Marine Corps, his passion for cooking and fishing, his nurturing for his dogs Lady and Hunter and all the wonderful things that made Tom special in his unique way. I thought of his swagger walk, his endless need to make a list with the checkbox to the side and asking me, how was I ever going to be organized if I didn’t have a list! I remember one of our first dates where he took me deep sea fishing and of course I got sick. Tom asked me if I wanted to chum off the side of the boat so we can attract more fish! I will remember that day with fondness! I thought I knew him when we married and wished each other well when we parted.
Tom and Kim- My heart goes out to you both! He was a good man and a friend to many! May he rest in peace!
Tom and Kim,
Please accept our sincere condolences. How proud you must be over Tommy’s accomplishments as a Marine, and as a man.
Gary & Barbara Noe
Tom, I remember you as such an honest and straightforward man. No doubt you were an exemplary Marine. I am terribly saddened and I wish your spirit a peaceful and untroubled passing. I extend my best wishes and respect to your family as they begin to recover. Paul
Łączymy się w bólu z Tobą Susan i Twoją rodziną po stracie Toma.Przesyłamy wyrazy szczerego współczucia. CZEŚĆ JEGO PAMIĘCI
We were so lucky to have you as our next door neighbor the last few years. I so miss seeing your smiling face and funny stories and swapping of meals. I still look for your truck every time I pull in the driveway. I so enjoyed watching you and Waldo on my front porch share “war” stories of when you were both serving. It was an honor to attend your service today and pay our respects to you as a highly decorated marine, a son, a brother and an uncle and an overall super nice guy. We will continue to pray for your family, and take care of your beloved Aspen. I will never forget you. May you rest in peace.
Our heartfelt condolences to Kim and her family. Sending you all our love and wishing you peace. May he Rest In Peace.
I had the pleasure to serve with Tom in Iwakuni Japan from 1989 -1990. I was a Private when I arrived in Iwakuni, green to the world. If I was homesick, or needed anything KB was always there to talk to. RIP Brother.
My cousin was a great guy,he was also my friend.I will miss him dearly. I’m so very proud of him and his achievements.
I am just now learning of the loss of Tom. He was one of my best friends in High School. (Wichita Southeast).
We had a lot of fun playing sports. Especially tackle football. Sometimes, if we couldn’t organize a game with our friends, we would go to the park and see if any strangers were playing and join that game, each taking a side and usually becoming the captain of our respective teams. Yes, people, we were that good.
He got me invitations to some of the best keg parties I ever saw. 20 kegs and live band parties. Shooting clay pigeons and water skiing, Tom liked to be active. Not just sit around.
As often happens with friends, we lost touch but I thought of him often. I never know he had a brother and sister. Goodbye, Tom. I miss you.
Gerry