Obituary of Karen C. Caracciolo

Karen Constance (Stock) Caracciolo of Swissvale, PA, age 80, passed away on December 21, 2020 in the loving presence of her husband and sister. Karen Constance Stock was born on July 26, 1940 to Jack P. and Violet (Hughes) Stock of Wilkinsburg, PA. She was a member of the Wilkinsburg High School class of 1959. Karen worked as a dental hygienist until marrying the love of her life, Vincent Caracciolo in 1964. They settled in Swissvale to raise their sons, Vincent, Jr., and Jack. Karen and Vince Sr. are a loving example of a true partnership in marriage. They appreciated each other and enjoyed raising their sons to be kind, thoughtful, and caring young men. Karen loved her family very much and told them so often. Karen loved her big Italian family and they loved her. She could never convince her husband to like sauerkraut, but she was smart enough to learn how to make ricotta pie and Easter bread from her mother-in-law. Karen loved being a Caracciolo. She loved and laughed with all of her in-laws, nieces, and nephews treasuring celebrations no matter how small. Karen is survived by her husband of 56 years, Vince Caracciolo Sr., and sons Vince Jr. (and Kelly) Caracciolo of O'Hara Township and Jack (and Jennifer) Caracciolo of Forest Hills. Karen was enormously proud of her granddaughters, Katie and Carolyn Caracciolo. They may be the most loved and kissed grandchildren in all the land. She rejoiced in every moment spent with them. Karen is also survived by her sister, Joan Fletcher of Forest Hills. Joan was her partner in crime and they talked every day. Karen and Joan spent many days together helping their families, looking for bargains, and laughing about days gone by. Joan's daughters, Wendy Fletcher and Diane Getz, and their children Michael, Emily, and Hanna grew up together with the Caracciolo family and Aunt Karen will be dearly missed. Karen is survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Karen found joy in every day and was generous with her time and compassion for others. She made friends easily and always welcomed visitors to her home. Karen was very active in her sons' upbringing and enjoyed attending sporting events, concerts, or performances of anyone in her extended family or large circle of friends. Karen and Vince enjoyed many years of retirement together, even while Karen found employment as a caregiver to several elderly clients. In her later years, Karen spent summers on her front porch keeping up with current events and neighborhood friendships which she treasured. Karen was the best pie maker. She had a hat and purse collection to rival no one. If it was red and sparkled, Karen wore it. Her laughter and "Hi, Honey!" will be in our memories always. We love you. Funeral services will be held privately due to Covid-19 restrictions. Burial will be at the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies in Washington, PA. The immediate family plans to host a celebration of Karen's life this summer when we can safely gather and properly mourn together. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Diabetes Association. Arrangements by Thomas L. Nied Funeral Home, Inc. 7441 Washington Street, Swissvale, PA. www.niedfuneralhome.com