C. Anthony (Tony) Karl

Mr. Charles Anthony (“Tony”) Karl, 79, of Walkersville passed away on Friday, October 19, with his loving wife, Domenica and their son, Marco, by his side. Born in Hollidaysburg, PA, July 6, 1939, Tony was the son of Robert J. Karl and Marjorie Rickle Karl. He graduated from Altoona High School with the class of 1957, and moved to Washington, DC with his family in 1959.

On October 29, 1961, he married Domenica, his wife of 57 years, at the Holy Rosary Church in Washington, DC. The couple resided in Takoma Park, Maryland. In April 1966, they had a son, Marco R. Karl. In 1976, they moved to their current home in Walkersville.

Tony served eight years in the National Guard. He then worked as a barber for eight years before joining the International Monetary Fund staff in the Publications Department from which he retired in 1991. He both volunteered and worked at Frederick Memorial Hospital for an additional seven years.

Tony was an avid fisherman and hunter; he loved reading books and watching old movies; he also loved listening to and playing music. He was skilled in playing the guitar, piano, and his biggest joy was playing his dulcimer. His favorite artist was Neil Diamond; and his favorite song was the Moravian Christmas hymn, Morning Star.  He also had a particular love for Christmas.

Tony loved to travel and visited Europe, Jerusalem, and Canada. Tony and Domenica also went on several cruises to the Caribbean and Alaska. He loved the fall season and the mountains. They vacationed a lot during that time of year to the Smokey Mountains in Tennessee. All through the year, he had a camp site in Lancaster, PA, where they visited frequently. Tony had a great fondness for the Pennsylvania Dutch Country and the town of Lititz.

Tony was a member of Frederick Elks Lodge #684, where he served as Exalted Ruler of the Local Lodge; he was District Deputy for the Grand Elks Lodge. He was also a member of the Brunswick Masonic Lodge #191.

Tony was an active member of Graceham Moravian Church in Thurmont, where he volunteered much of his time and helped with many functions including serving on the Board and as the Treasurer. Tony sold tickets and greeted visitors during the Church's Turkey & Oyster Dinners. He was very close to the current pastor, Pr. Sue Koenig and former pastor, Rev. Terry Folk. Tony and Domenica also loved visiting the Lititz Moravian Church, and regularly attended their Christmas services with friends.

Tony is survived by his wife, Domenica, and his son, Marco of Waynesboro, PA,  several cousins, and many friends. He was preceded in death by his parents.

A celebration of Tony's life will be held at the Graceham Moravian Church, 8231-A Rocky Ridge Rd., Thurmont, on Sunday, December 2 at 3 pm. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Graceham Moravian Church at the above address.

Expressions of sympathy may be offered to the family at StaufferFuneralHome.com.