Thomas "Skip" E. Karam

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Thomas “Skip” Karam of Westport, Massachusetts. He will be fondly remembered and deeply missed by all who knew him. Skip passed away peacefully at the age of 91 while under hospice care in Westport, surrounded by his loving family. He leaves behind a lasting legacy defined by leadership, integrity, and an unwavering devotion to education and the game of basketball.

Above all, Skip was devoted to his family. Born in Fall River, Massachusetts, he was the son of the late Thomas Karam and Barbara (Assad) Karam and a longtime resident of Westport. He was the beloved husband of Elizabeth (DeFusco) Karam, with whom he shared sixty-six years of marriage.

He is survived by his daughters, Jennifer Medeiros (Kevin) and Elizabeth McCarthy (Jay). He was predeceased by his son, Thomas John Karam. Skip was a devoted and proud grandfather to Matthew Medeiros (Elita), Ryan Medeiros (Kimmy), and Samantha Medeiros, and a cherished great-grandfather to Mia Lee Medeiros. He is further survived by his beloved brothers, Robert Karam and James Karam, with whom he shared a lifelong bond defined by deep love, unwavering loyalty, and steadfast devotion that remained constant throughout their lives. He also leaves behind several loving nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Skip graduated from B.M.C. Durfee High School in 1953. Following graduation, he attended Tabor Academy for one year, where he received the prestigious Circle of Excellence Award, honoring individuals who exemplify Tabor’s mission to connect, serve, and lead. He continued his education at Providence College, where he played basketball for the Friars during the 1955–1956 season. After earning his Bachelor of Arts degree in 1958 from Providence College, Skip went on to receive his Master’s degree from Bridgewater State University in 1965.

He later served as Vice Principal at Morton Middle School before advancing to Vice Principal at B.M.C. Durfee High School. Skip began his coaching career with a brief tenure as head basketball coach at Westport High School, then returned to his hometown of Fall River to lead the B.M.C. Durfee High School program. At just 26 years old, he succeeded his former coach, the legendary Luke Urban, a transition that first brought understandable hesitation, but one that swiftly evolved into a remarkable legacy.

In his very first season, Skip led the Hilltoppers to 16 consecutive wins, culminating in a game at the Boston Garden. In 1966, only eight years into his coaching career, he brought Durfee to the state championship game at the Garden and this time returned home with the title. Eleven years later, in 1977, Durfee captured another state championship and completed a perfect 26–0 season.

During the era when games were played at the Bank Street Armory, the Hilltoppers routinely packed the gym to standing-room-only crowds. When the new Durfee High School opened in 1979, Skip and his teams filled a much larger field house with a capacity of over 2,000 fans. Throughout the 1980s, Tuesday and Friday nights in Fall River were synonymous with Durfee basketball, often sold-out, always electric.

From 1984 to 1989, Skip added three more state championship banners. The 1984 and 1989 teams were undefeated, and the 1988 squad suffered just one early-season loss before going on a record-breaking 46-game winning streak. Under his guidance, Durfee athletes were known for their toughness, discipline, and teamwork.

Skip later became the first full-time Athletic Director in Durfee’s history, continuing to elevate not only the basketball program but all Durfee athletics.

Over his remarkable 36-year career as head coach of the B.M.C. Durfee High School boys basketball team, Skip amassed 659 wins, made 35 state tournament appearances, reached 7 championship games, and captured 5 state titles, averaging 18 wins per season. He was the first coach in Massachusetts history to achieve 500 career wins. His mentorship helped countless athletes advance to collegiate basketball programs across New England and beyond, including one who went on to play for both the Denver Nuggets and the Boston Celtics.

Skip’s contributions to the sport were widely recognized. He was inducted into the B.M.C. Durfee Athletics Hall of Fame, the Massachusetts Basketball Coaches Association Hall of Fame, the New England Basketball Coaches Association Hall of Fame, and in 2019, the New England Basketball Legends Hall of Fame. In December 2021, the basketball court at Durfee High School was re-dedicated in his honor. His legacy continues through the annual Thomas “Skip” Karam Holiday Tournament, held each December at Durfee High School, celebrating community, competition, and sportsmanship. In 2025, the BMC Durfee High School Alumni Association awarded him with the Distinguished Alumni Award.

In addition to his storied basketball career, Skip found great joy on the golf course, where he spent countless hours and was a longtime, devoted member of the Fall River Country Club. He also cherished his time at Baker’s Beach, where he loved running into friends and former players, always eager to catch up, share stories, and enjoy their company.

Thomas “Skip” Karam leaves behind a lasting impact on Fall River, Durfee High School, and generations of students, athletes, and coaches who were fortunate enough to learn from him. His legacy will live on in the banners above the court that bears his name, and the countless lives he shaped. What a ride!

Relatives and friends are invited to attend his Visitation on Saturday, January 24, 2026, from 10am to 2pm in the Waring-Sullivan home at Cherry Place, 178 Winter St., Fall River. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions in Skip’s honor may be made to the Durfee Hilltopper Athletic Foundation, 687 Harvard St., Fall River, MA 02720. For directions or to place an online tribute, please visit: www.waring-sullivan.com