Thomas Nicklos Carros

Thomas Nicklos Carros, 98, passed away peacefully on September 11, 2024, in Columbia, South Carolina. Born on June 14, 1926, in Cumberland, Maryland, Tom was the eldest son of Nicholas Karakatsanis and Katherine Hatziyannakis (Stockley), Greek immigrants from Ofrenion, in what is today Turkey. He was the beloved brother of Demosthenes (Helyn) and the late Alexander.

Tom served his country with distinction in Korea during World War II. After his service, he attended Boston University, where he earned his undergraduate degree thanks to the GI Bill. He later obtained a Master's of Social Work from the University of Pennsylvania. Tom became the inaugural director of Children and Youth Services in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, where he developed programs that continue today under the Department of Human Services. After retiring from the county, he worked as a consultant for Pressley Ridge, where his wealth of experience helped develop their programs as well.

Tom was married to Dorothy Ann Griffith for 59 years until her passing in 2012. Together, they made their home in the North Hills of Pittsburgh, where they raised their family and lived for decades. In their later years, they moved to Vincentian Villas retirement community. In 2020, Tom relocated to Columbia, where he was cared for by his daughter Lisa.

He is survived by his daughters, Lisa Clarkson (the late John Clarkson) and Andrea Carros Schrenk (James Schrenk); his grandchildren, Rebekah Alden (Todd), Jennifer Tafel (Jay Welborn), Thomas Tafel (Anne Griffin), Nicklos Tafel (Mary Black), Alexander Schrenk, Maxwell Schrenk (Sadie), and Ian Schrenk; and his great-grandchildren, Zoe Alden, Dovie Welborn, Annalise Schrenk, and Carros Tafel. He is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, and in-laws.

Tom’s life was defined by his ability to connect with people. His wit and sense of humor were often noted — and almost always appreciated.

A lifelong lover of sport, Tom played football for Allegany High School in Cumberland and remained an avid Pittsburgh Pirates and Steelers fan throughout his life. He also enjoyed jazz, fine wine, and a nice cigar.

Always deeply connected to his heritage, Tom enjoyed listening to bouzouki music and loved sharing a few words of Greek with fellow speakers whenever possible. He often treated his great-grandchildren to a few words in Greek, leading off with the question Ti káneis, paidi mou? ("How’s it going, kiddo?"). Alas, it was all Greek to them.

Tom and his wife, Ann, were avid travelers, embarking on European adventures with their lifelong friends, Charles and Liza Schaeffer. Their annual vacations at Oak Island, North Carolina, brought family and friends together, with many cherished memories made at the beach. Tom could always be found on the porch with a Bloody Mary in the morning and a cigar in the evening.

An 11:00 am funeral liturgy will be held at St. John's Episcopal Church, Congaree, Hopkins, South Carolina on Saturday October 26th 2024, with a reception to follow in the church fellowship hall. On Saturday November 16, 2024 at 11:00 am . Tom will be interred in the memorial garden of Christ Episcopal Church in the North Hills of Pittsburgh, where Tom was a longtime member, vestry member and Sr Warden. After the interment service please join Tom’s family and friends for a celebration of life luncheon at Aspinwall Marina Park, overlooking the Allegheny River.

The family would like to extend special thanks to Prisma Health Hospice and in particular to Tom’s caregivers, who provided such compassionate support. Donations in memory of Tom can be directed to hospice care at Prisma Health Midlands Foundation. Contributions can be made online: https://shorturl.at/qbPvy

Funeral arrangements are being handled by Dunbar Funeral Home Devine Street Chapel in Columbia.