Petty Officer First Class Karl Allan Proctor, 35, passed away on Saturday, March 27, 2021 at Upstate University Hospital in Syracuse, New York following a tragic accident. Karl was raised in the Denver Colorado area, as the fourth in a family of twelve children. Karl was a graduate of Lead Deadwood High School in Lead, South Dakota after a comprehensive welding course with Job Corps. From a young age, Karl dreamed of following in the footsteps of his Grandfather and namesake; and in October 2006 he realized that dream when he entered the United States Navy. Karl became a Hull Technician serving tours in Norfolk, VA, Guam (twice), Hawaii, upstate New York and a deployment to Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. He was an exemplary sailor with many achievements.
Karl was a lover of life and adventure, often referring to himself as “Krazy Karl”, his passions included spending time with his family, scuba diving, wood working, welding, photography, anything mechanical, home improvements and his beloved Denver Broncos. Nothing was more important to Karl than his big family and his Navy service, until he married his wife, Riza, in December 2014 and the following year, they welcomed their daughter, Izabella. Being a husband and daddy were two of the most important things in Karl’s life. His “girls” meant everything to him, and he loved them with his whole heart.
Survivors include his wife, Riza Proctor and his five-year-old daughter, Izabella Proctor. His mother Kara Castillo (Vince) and his father, Donald Proctor. Sisters Kaytie (Shanen), Gina (Ross), Brittany (David), Kayla, Kelly, Emily (Justin), Katie and Madeline (Christian); and brothers Adam (Amber), Shane and Austin as well as twelve nieces and nephews and his Grandmother, JoAnne Herrmann.
Karl’s family will miss him dearly, but he will live on within our hearts as we all have committed to live our lives forever #krazystrong, in his memory. A private graveside service will be held at the Chattanooga National Military Cemetery, where he will be laid to rest near his beloved Grandfather, on the 16th of April, 2021.
Due to COVID-19 restrictions only immediate family and limited guests will be allowed to attend.
In lieu of flowers the family has asked that donations be made in Petty Officer First Class Karl Proctor’s name to the USO at www.uso.org.
