Steve (Stathis) Kareores, 89, of Whitman, formerly of Lowell and Brockton, passed away Sunday, November 23rd, after a short illness. He was the husband of Frances (Pappas) Kareores. Steve was the son of the late Greek Orthodox Reverend George and Olga (Semitzis) Kareores, who were born in Greece and settled in Lowell. Always the athlete, he excelled in ice skating and had a penchant for barrel jumping. His real passion was swimming and won many local events with hopes of competing in the Olympics. After graduating from high school, he and a friend traveled to Hollywood to become stars, or at least swimming doubles. Although he had several screen tests it was not to be and they headed home when fate intervened on a global scale. Early 1942, Steve found himself back on the West Coast, this time in uniform, training new recruits to swim and how to survive a sinking ship that had been torpedoed.
Later that year he was assigned to the U.S Army Medical Corps in the 196th Station Hospital Ship Maetswuyker and dispatched to the South Pacific. The Maetswuyker logged over 55,000 nautical miles during the Pacific campaign picking up the wounded in areas too shallow for larger ships and was constantly under enemy fire. His skill at suturing allowed surgeons the ability to move on to the next patient and let “Steve do the rest”. He also logged many hours doing airborne medical evacuation when the Maetswuyker was in port for supplies or repair. He received the Southern Philippines Campaign and Philippine Liberation Ribbons, the Asiatic – Pacific Campaign Medal with four bronze service stars and the Philippine Presidential Unit Citation for his service during the war.
He returned home and graduated from welding school, before finding his true life career in 1947 when he went to work for Grossman’s Lumber. Starting in the yard, he quickly worked his way to manager and spent the next 49 years being “Mr. Door and Window” at the Whitman, Marshfield and Kingston stores before they closed their operations. He is still remembered today in the building trade for his lumber expertise.
Not Knowing how to retire, he went to Johnny’s Foodmaster when he was 77. Working there until 2006, he finally decided to officially retire at 87, after two successful careers.
He married Frances Pappas in 1946, resided in Brockton, until 1955 when they moved to Whitman. Champion ballroom dancers while dating, they danced to the likes of Count Bassey and Lionel Hampton. He loved gardening, especially taking care of his spectacular lawn, spending time with his family and his cat, Ali Pasha.
Steve leaves behind his beloved wife Frances, their children Elena of New Orleans, LA, and John of New Bedford, his grandson Jason of New Orleans, LA.and a sister Helen (nee Kareores) Kiriakakis of Lowell and Greece. Never one to call attention to his deeds or actions, he will be remembered for his inner strength and quiet dignity. He is loved and will be missed by all those whose lives he touched.
His services will be held on Saturday November 29th at 10:00AM in the Blanchard Funeral Chapel Plymouth Street (Rt. 58 at the rotary) Whitman. Interment will follow in the Colebrook Cemetery, Whitman. Visiting hours will be held on Friday November 28th from 4:00-8:00PM. Donations may be made to the Charity of One’s Choice.For online condolences and directions visit www.blanchardfc.com