Stanley Joseph Karmilovich

Stanley J. Karmilovich, age 83, passed away December 10, 2024 in his home on Dataw Island, South Carolina. 

He is survived by his beloved wife of 59 years, Joan; three loving children, Jeff and his wife Amy of Greenville, South Carolina, Susanne and her husband Todd of Ann Arbor, Michigan and Carolyn and her husband Todd of Cumming, Georgia; and five cherished grandchildren, Keith (Sophie), Anna, Timothy, Meredith, and Jacob. In addition, he is survived by two sisters, Carol Schultz and Lilli McManus; and his brother, James Karmilovich; and many wonderful extended family members. He is preceded in death by his siblings Joseph Karmilovich, Helen Harrison, Blanche Lange, Frank Karmilovich, Connie Cavanaugh, Mildred Taylor, Ann Marie Fuchs, Theodore Karmilovich, and Edward Karmilovich. 

He was born in Hanover Township, Pennsylvania on January 3, 1941, the tenth of thirteen children, the son of the late Jacob and Veronica. He graduated from Wilkes College in 1962 with a degree in Chemistry. He married the love of his life, Joanie, on June 26, 1965 at St. Michael’s Church, and was fortunate to live in many places and travel the world with her from sailing in the Caribbean to exploring Costa Rica to making memories in many European countries. He worked for over 30 years at Calgon Corporation and retired as an executive vice president. He was known for the way he treated people, and instilled in all those around him to value and respect others. He spent his last 28 years living a full and beautiful retired life at his home on Dataw Island, a place where he could do everything he loved including golf, crabbing, shrimping, clamming, gardening, family bocce ball, volunteering, and making memories with family and friends. He was an avid Clemson fan, and almost never missed a Clemson football game. He was a man of deep faith and an active member of St. Peter’s Catholic Church. He lived life with humility, grace, and gratitude for all the blessings in his life. His contributions to the local community organizations are too many to count, as he shared his passion for giving back to those in need. He was a cherished husband, father, grandfather, father-in-law, uncle, cousin, brother, and friend, who had a gift for keeping people connected, and he will be missed by all.

A celebration of Stan’s life will be held at St. Peter’s Catholic Church at 10:30 am on December 30, 2024, with a luncheon to follow at the Dataw Island Club (Carolina Room). In lieu of flowers, donations in his loving memory may be made to St. Francis Center, 86 Mattis Drive, St. Helena Island, SC 29920 which serves the underserved and persons with disabilities. 

Copeland Funeral Service is assisting the Karmilovich family with arrangements.