John T. Karalekas, 93, Fought in World War II

John T. Karalekas, 93, of Falmouth died at JML Care Center on Sunday, Oct. 31. He was 93.

Mr. Karalekas was the beloved husband of the late Freda (Ellis) Karalekas for 54 years.

Mr. Karalekas was a World War II veteran who served in the 11th Armored Division, also known as the Thunderbolt Division, a component of Gen. George Patton's Third Army. As a mess sergeant, automotive mechanic and tank commander, he was a jack of all trades for the division. He saw action in the Battle of the Bulge.

Mr. Karalekas was a longtime businessman in Falmouth. He owned and operated Falmouth Gardens Grocery on Main street from the 1940s to 1977. He built Colonial Shopping Center and his own home on Oyster Pond Road. He was a fabulous gourmet cook and an avid golfer. He was a member of Woods Hole Golf Club for many years. He played until age 92 and had two hole in ones in his lifetime. For 65 years he was a member of the Falmouth Lodge AF & AM. He was also a Shriner.

He is survived by his children, Gail Gale of Charlotte, N.C., Linda Badoian of Sharon, Holly Karalekas of Falmouth, Teddy Karalekas and John Karalekas, both of West Tisbury; sister Marion Karalekas of Naples, Fla., and brother Nicholas Karalekas of Boca Raton, Fla. Also surviving are 10 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.

Interment was at Oak Grove Cemetery in Falmouth. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. George Greek Orthodox Church, 1130 Falmouth Road, Centerville, MA 02632-3022 or St. Barnabas Memorial Church, P. O. Box 203, Falmouth, MA 02541.