Charles G. Karanian

Attorney Charles G. Karanian died peacefully March 1st at the age of 90 with family by his side. The son of the late John and Ardemis Karanian, he was a life-long resident of New Britain, Connecticut and is predeceased by his lovely wife Lois (Stevens) Karanian, and his brothers Henry, Richard, Arthur and Walter Karanian. Charles is survived by his three daughters Charlene Karanian and Keith Patterson of New Britain, Sabra Karanian and her husband Thomas Brunstetter of Weston, Florida and Kim Karanian and her husband Randolph Franklin of Amston, his beloved grandchildren Kyle and Lyndsay Brunstetter, his brother Dr. George Karanian and his wife Gail of Suffield, his sisters-in law Agnes Karanian and Holly Karanian and numerous nieces and nephews.
The son of Armenian immigrants, and whose mother and great-grandmother were survivors of the Armenian genocide, his parents taught him what to value most in life – family, education and the ability to face life’s challenges with fortitude and perseverance. Instilled with a solid work ethic, he peddled milk for Johnson Dairy on the weekends and summers throughout high school and was a graduate of the class of 1942 at New Britain High School. He then enlisted in the Army-Air Force in 1943 during World War II and received advanced training as a Bombardier and Navigator and ultimately achieved a rank of First Lieutenant. He was trained on the A-26 aircraft which became the fastest US bomber of WWII. He trained for the invasion of Japan, but as luck would have it, the war ended and Charlie was off to college. Having completed one semester at Dickinson College in Carlisle PA, he decided to head south for warmer weather and attended the University Of Miami as an Economics and Political Science Major while remaining in the Reserves. After graduating from Miami in 1950, he returned home to attend Law School at the University of Connecticut where he graduated in 1953. Due to the ongoing Korean War and being in the Reserves, he was given permission to take the Bar Exam in December of 1952, which he passed, prior to graduating. He served as a Judge Advocate Officer (JAG) in the Air Reserve-United States Air Force until 1959.
In 1953, Charlie became a Prosecutor in Police Court in New Britain and shortly afterward went into private practice. He soon became a partner with former Judge and State Senator Frank J. DiLoreto, a relationship that lasted for the next decade. After Frank’s death, he eventually moved his law practice to Franklin Square.
Primarily handling criminal law, family law and real estate law, Charlie rose to prominence as a successful criminal defense trial attorney. Known for his fast-paced cross-examination style, many a stenographer would have to ask him to slow down during a trial. He liked a challenge, but more importantly, he found satisfaction in the ability to help people through the challenges of life. His love of the law endured throughout his career.
He served as a past President of the New Britain Bar Association and was recently recognized as a practicing attorney for over 50 years. He was also a member of the Connecticut Bar Association and the American Bar Association. He was a 50 year member of the Masonic Fraternity. In 1975 he was appointed by Governor Ella Grasso to serve as Chairman of the Nuclear Power Evaluation Council to report his findings and recommendations to the General Assembly of the State of Connecticut. During the Seventies, he represented The New Britain Police Union during their labor contract negotiations.
Serving one’s community was also important to Charlie, and he chose to serve as President of the New Britain Midget Football League. He was part of that organization from 1963 through 1976, as well as referee for its games. He strongly believed that football created camaraderie, fostered teamwork and taught discipline and most importantly, kept young teenagers busy and out of trouble.
Always appreciative of the opportunities derived from his education, Charlie was a devoted alumnus to the University of Miami. He was an avid University of Miami Hurricanes football fan. As a season ticket holder for decades, he would travel to all the home and away games and enjoyed tailgating with his family and friends. He enjoyed playing golf and tending to his gardens well into his eighties.
But of all the things he valued most, spending time with his immediate and extended family gave him the most joy and he made it his priority. He was a true gentleman, who treated others with kindness and respect, who was devoted to family that were also devoted to him, and approached life with a sense of humor yet had the ability to persevere through life’s difficulties and challenges. His knowledge, wisdom and guidance will be missed by those who knew him.
Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, March 8, at 10 AM at St. Stephen’s Armenian Apostolic Church, 167 Tremont St., New Britain. Burial, with military honors, will be in Fairview Cemetery. Calling hours are Monday, from 5-8 PM at Erickson-Hansen Funeral Home, 411 So. Main St., New Britain. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Stephen’s Armenian Apostolic Church, 167 Tremont St., New Britain, CT 06051.