Richard Z. Karp

KARP, Richard Z., age 81,of Norton, entered into rest on Sunday, May 28, 2017 at home surrounded by his loving family. Beloved husband of Sandra (Rodman) Karp. Devoted father of Michael Karp, and Tracy Friedman and her husband Steven. Loving brother of the late Dorothy Forman. Cherished grandfather of Jamie, Molly and Jason. In 1957, Richard graduated UMass Amherst where he was a member of A E Pi and a champion bowler. Richard went to work with his father in 1961 to help run the family owned Central TV and Appliance, (formerly Central Radio Stores) in Brockton until he sold it to George Washington Toma in 2009. He continued to work, selling to his loyal customers up until his final days. Richard was one of the original eight founding members of the appliance cooperative called Key Boston, Inc. Today, the cooperative has 48 employees, $350,000,000.00 in sales and serves all of New England and into New York with over 115 members. Richard served on the group’s board of directors for over 43 years with 27 of those years as President. He was a true leader and very well respected. Although this role did not bring great personal wealth, he was responsible for the survivorship of many local small business successes. Richard was an avid Boston sports fan. His knowledge was admirable and his enthusiastic support of the Red Sox, Celtics and Patriots was infectious. He grew up attending many Red Sox games at Fenway with his family. He played on the Brockton High School basketball team and developed a love for the Celtics. As a father, his greatest joy was sharing all of the memorable moments throughout the years with his children. Funeral services will be held at Temple Sinai of Sharon, 25 Canton Street, Sharon on Thursday, June 1st at 1PM. Interment will follow at Sharon Memorial Park, 40 Dedham Street, Sharon. Memorial observance will be held at the home of Tracy and Steven Friedman on Thursday immediately following interment until 8PM, continuing on Friday from 4-8PM. In lieu of flowers, gifts in memory of Richard Karp, to support cancer research and patient care, may be made to Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, PO Box 849168, Boston, MA 02284 or via www.dana-farber.org/gift.