Edward Neil Karaff

Edward “Neil” Karaff passed away on August 11, 2025, at the age of 71. Born on April 22, 1954, Neil was a gentle and kind-hearted person, known for his patience, thoughtfulness, and selflessness. He always put others at ease with his welcoming nature and sense of humor.

Neil was a resident of Kansas City, Missouri. He was born to Raymond Paul Karaff and Betty Josephine (Schillie) Karaff. He was part of the first graduating class of Winnetonka High School in 1972 and went on to graduate from the DeVry Institute of Technology in Computer Science in the early 1980s.

He began his working career at the age of 16 as a busboy at Denny's and working his way up to head cook. Edward furthered his career at Annie's Santa Fe on the Country Club Plaza and later became a Sous Chef at the Blue Springs Country Club. During this time he met his lifelong friends Gene Smith, Mike Crippen, Jim Thompson, and the late Mitch Rowe. He then transitioned to a career as an IT Specialist at Gateway and eventually retired from H&R Block in Kansas City.

On October 10, 2001, Neil married the love of his life, Barbara Ellen Karaff (Rome), in Liberty, Missouri. Together they enjoyed spending time with her three daughters Summer, Adrienne, and Amanda and their children.

Neil had a wide range of personal interests and hobbies, including technology, experimenting with cooking (he was an OG foodie), and taking care of his beloved pets. He was an avid fan of the Kansas City Chiefs and Royals and enjoyed time at casinos. He was a lifelong member of NPR and PBS.

He is preceded in death by his father Raymond, his wife Barbara, and his dog PJ. He is survived by his mother, Betty Karaff; his siblings, Gary Karaff (Kim) and Ramah Leone; three nieces, Adrienne Ferreira (Garon), Sarah Knepper (Drew), and Rachelle Caldwell (Matty); one nephew, Mikal; two grandnieces, Abryenne and Emryenne; six grandnephews, Raymond, Jett, Case, Harrison, Maxwell, and Cruz "Scooter"; and one great-grandniece, Claire.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the National Kidney Foundation, 30 East 33rd Street, New York City, New York, or to Wayside Waifs, 3901 Martha Truman Road, Kansas City, Missouri. More information can be found at https://www.kidney.org/ and https://waysidewaifs.org/. A visitation will be held Sunday, August 17th, at the McGilley Antioch Chapel (3325 NE Vivion Rd, Kansas City, MO 64119) from 1pm to 2pm, with a service following at 2pm. He will later be inurned with his wife Barbara at the Terrace Park Cemetery.