In Memory of John Karmondy
John Karmondy
John Karmondy, 86, of Charlotte passed away peacefully in his home on Pentecost Sunday, May 24, 2026, after a life filled with faith, love, humor, and recovery. Born in New York City on November 28, 1939, and raised in Howard Beach, John often joked that he never feared the police but was very respectful of the mafia.
John moved to Charlotte more than 40 years ago and immediately loved his new home. Riding through town, he frequently declared, “This is the most beautiful city!” His appreciation for beauty was a constant in his life, and he and his wife, Kathy, frequently drove to the North Carolina mountains to marvel at nature’s wonder.
Faith was at John’s core. As a young altar server, he once felt a mysterious presence in an empty sacristy—an experience that stayed with him forever. In Charlotte, he was at home in both the Pentecostal joy at Central Church of God and the quiet reverence of St. Peter Catholic Church. He cherished the friendships he found among clergy, including Father Gene McCreesh, with whom he served the men’s homeless shelter; Father Pat Earl, who shared his laughter over dinner; Father Shea, who always stopped by with an Irish joke; and many others who enriched his spiritual journey.
At 20, John endured life-threatening cancer that cost him his leg and hip. No person had lived for more than 15 months with the same diagnosis, but John lived another sixty-six years. In fact, an oncology journal featured him as the only known survivor. John credited his recovery to the power of prayer and the devotion of his foster mother who sent out prayer requests across the country. John called that his first miracle. His second came when he walked into an Alcoholics Anonymous meeting. There he found a family of support and purpose. John embraced AA as a calling, sponsoring countless people and speaking at meetings across the city. His humor and compassion became local legend.
John lived with unstoppable energy. Whether at a coffee shop, bagel shop, daily mass at St. Gabriel’s, the Mecklenburg Aquatic Center pool (where his grandson Kain is a lifeguard), or a movie theater with popcorn and popsicles in hand, he filled his days with friendship and joy. He never stayed home when life was calling. Even after he stopped driving, John – with his close friend Nello – carried on, living his life with passion and gusto.
John’s wife, Kathy, was his steadfast partner. He taught her to laugh freely, live boldly, and savor life beyond the comfort of home. Together they shared a love that was vibrant and full.
He was deeply proud of his sons, Johnny (Maureen) and Michael (Debbie), who live in Delaware and New York City, and of his grandchildren Stephanie, Amanda, Michael Jr., and Joseph, along with Joseph’s family and great-granddaughter, Lilly. He also loved Kathy’s children and grandchildren—Buck and Eagan, Kain, Darius, Phoenix, Lucien, Sylvia, and Eli. John remained close to his former wife, Ryan, and her family: Lori, Tammy, Rachael, Renee, Deborah Mary, Austin, and others.
John leaves behind a wide circle of friends—too many to name—who will remember his kindness, sense of humor, and generous spirit. His life was a testament to grace, gratitude, and the belief that joy is best when shared.
A memorial service will be held on Monday, June 29, 2026, at 2 pm at St. Peter Catholic Church, 507 South Tryon Street in Uptown Charlotte. Parking is free in the Green Underground parking deck located to the left facing the front of the church. (Keep your entrance ticket, and the church will provide the complimentary exit ticket.)
Memorials can be made to:
Dilworth Center
2240 Park Rd.
Charlotte, NC 28203
