George Karpay

KARPAY, George Bernard, 83, of Tampa, passed away on April 8, 2013. Mr. Karpay was born in Brooklyn, New York and came to Tampa over 50 years ago from Westbury, New York. He graduated from Indiana University and returned to New York to work in real estate. He was a visionary who came to Florida with his wife and four small children in 1959. He became president of Tiffany Homes by Karpay Bros and later Karpay Associates. During his career he built over 7,000 homes, and established and sold two businesses to publicly traded companies. He was a prominent leader in the Jewish community in the Tampa Bay area. He was a member and supporter of numerous organizations including Congregation Rodeph Sholom, Congregation Schaarai Zedek, Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center (Straz), University of South Florida, the Jewish Community Center and the Tampa Jewish Federation where he was past president. He was recipient of many awards for his dedicated service including the first presentation of the Tree of Life award and the first Tikkun Olam Award. Mr. Karpay was preceded in death by his beloved wife, of 58 years, Bobbe. Survivors include his beloved wife, Joyce Hartmann Karpay, his children and their spouses; Karen and Sergio Waksman, Barry and Joyce Karpay, Kenneth and Jeannette Karpay and Ellen Karpay-Brody; brothers and sister-in-law, Joel and Rhoda Karpay and Irwin Karpay; ten cherished grandchildren, Alexander Berger, fiancAC.e Rebecca Eskin, Brian Waksman, Kevin Karpay, Isaac Karpay, Caleb Karpay, David Karpay, Robert Karpay, Sadie Karpay-Brody, Nate Karpay-Brody and Allie Karpay-Brody; Joyce's children, David Anton and Becky Farrell-Anton, Richard and Wendy Hartmann and their children. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to charities benefitting either the Tampa Jewish Community, University of South Florida or the arts. Private graveside services will take place. A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, April 16th, 12:00 noon at Congregation Scharrari Zedek, 3303 W. Swann Ave, Tampa 33609 with Rabbi Richard Birnholz and Rabbi Marc Sack officiating.