William R. Karaktin

William Karaktin has embarked on his final journey to be with his Lord on Saturday, October 7, 2023.
Bill, as he was affectionately known, was a loving husband, a father, a brother and a grandfather. But most importantly, he was a faithful servant to his country and faith. His core values were honor, respect, loyalty and love by which he tried to live and serve others every day.
He was born in Cleveland, Ohio on March 14, 1957 to the late William Karaktin and Anita Karaktin. Bill and his older sister, Regina, were close growing up. They often shared stories and enjoyed great conversations peppered with Bill’s wit and humor, which was evident even at a young age. One of his many interests were theater. He shared his love for theater with his family and grandchildren through musicals and classic movies with Gene Kelly and Fred Astaire. He loved characters portrayed by John Wayne often quoting lines from his favorite movies. Bill has a Bachelor of Arts in History from Hofstra University and Master of Arts in Management from Webster University. He served as an officer in the United States Army and retired after 20 years of service in 1998 as a Major.
While serving in the Army, he met his wife, Angela. During 36 years of marriage, Bill and Angela lived in Texas, Germany and Virginia where Bill retired from the Army. They built a home in Yorktown, Virginia with their two daughters Jennifer and Elly. His girls fondly remember Bill as someone who fully embraced different cultures and was always eager to provide an adventure for his family whether it was living in the middle of the black forest with a heard of sheep in their front yard or dining in pitch dark to experience a traditional colonial meal. He was a compassionate and patient father who always put his family first.
Though he loved various roles he served throughout his life, Bill’s favorite role was that as a grandparent. He treasured his time with his grandkids he lovingly referred to as the Monster Mash and loved being their “Papa”, never failing to show up at all the school and sports events and showering them with generosity every chance he got. His granddaughter Alex, “Mush Mouse”, and grandson Dylan, “Big Man”, will always remember their Papa’s stories and big bear hugs.
In the Army, he had various roles and responsibilities to name a few as a Battery Commander, Project Officer for Material Development, Company Commander, Deputy Public Affairs Director and Community Public Affairs Director. He earned Defense Meritorious Service Medals, Army Commendation Medals, Army Achievement Medals, Army Good Conduct Medals, National Defense Service Medal, Army Service and Oversea Service Ribbons and United Nations Medal for his dedication and leadership while in Bosnia. After retiring from the Army, he stayed active in government affairs and even served as the Soil and Water Conservation Director for Colonial District. Bill also enjoyed volunteering. He shared his love for history guiding visitors through the Colonial Williamsburg or telling stories of the original colony to 4th grade students at the Jamestown Settlement.
Bill was an active member of St Kateri Tekakwitha Catholic Church in Yorktown, Virginia, devoting his time serving the congregation as a lector and a daily mass coordinator. He was a Past Grand Knight, current Trustee and current District Warden of the Knights of Columbus St. Kateri Takakwitha Council. He was an integral part of the Knights’ fundraising events, most memorable one being the annual Polar Plunge.
Bill will continue to make us smile and laugh with his wit and humor from the heavens. May all those who know him in their hearts continue to share the laughter, the joy and the love he wanted us all to know. We will miss Bill every day. His memory will live on in the hearts of all those who loved him.
Papa, you will forever be the Grand Poobah of the clan Millar. Billy Bacon, Jeannie Egg misses you.
Bill was preceded in death by William and Anita Karaktin, and is survived by sister Regina, wife Angela, daughters Jennifer and Elly and grandchildren Alex and Dylan.
A memorial service will be held at 10:00 AM on Saturday, October 28, 2023 at St Kateri Tekakwitha Catholic Church in Yorktown, VA.
We ask that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions be made to the Knights of Columbus St. Kateri Takakwitha Council 17189, Yorktown, VA..