Frank Karkuff

Frank Karkuff, age 92, of Mechanicsburg, died at home on Friday, January 3, 2025. Frank was born on August 8, 1932, in Somerville, NJ to the late Frank Karkuff and Esther Louise (Manning) Karkuff. In addition to his parents, Frank is preceded in death by his three sisters, Ruth Herron, Viola Harris, and Pearl Guilfoy.

Frank’s survivors include his wife of 43 years, Nancy (Thomas) Karkuff; his two children: Gary Karkuff and his wife, Karen of Mechanicsburg, PA and Debbie Kelly and her husband, Earl of Mullica Hill, NJ; his two stepchildren: Audrey Petty and husband, Lance of Shelbyville, KY and Alan Wurst and wife Gwen of Norris City, IL. Survivors also include six grandchildren: Shawn, Ryan, Shannon, Jenna, Stefan, and Eva; his six great-grandchildren: Leah, Abby, Tucker, Jordan, Connor, and Samuel; and several step grandchildren, step great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

Frank graduated from Woodbury High School as part of the class of 1950. He retired from State Farm Insurance after 40 years of serving his community working as an insurance agent. Frank retired to Corolla, NC where he lived for many years and served as a community leader. He started OBX Wounded Warrior in Corolla where he coordinated vacations for wounded veterans.  He was a lifelong fitness enthusiast, racquetball and tennis player. Frank enjoyed fishing trips to the Delaware Bay, Cape Hatteras, and to his cottage on Sand Lake in Canada. Later in life, Frank enjoyed world travels with his wife, family and friends. Frank will be dearly missed by all those fortunate to have been in his life.

Frank’s family will be remembering him at a Celebration of Life service on Saturday, January 18, 2025, at Smith Funeral Home, 47 Main St., Mantua, NJ. Visitation will be from 9:30-11:00 am with a service at 11:00. Interment will be at the family’s convenience. Cremation was private.

Contributions in celebration of Frank’s life can be made to Tunnels to Towers Foundation at https://dogood.t2t.org/give/320847#!/donation/checkout, St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital at https://www.stjude.org/donate/donate-to-st-jude.html  , and to the Alzheimer’s Association at https://act.alz.org/site/Donation2.

Frank’s family has entrusted his care to Buhrig Funeral & Cremation in Mechanicsburg, (717) 766-3421. Read Frank’s full obituary, offer condolences and sympathy, share stories and memories, upload photographs and videos, light a candle and sign his official guest book by visiting Buhrig.com.