Obituary of John Joseph Caruk

John Joseph Caruk, 66, of Columbia, husband of Tammy Miller Caruk, passed away peacefully on Sunday, May 6, 2018 after fighting a courageous two-year battle with esophageal cancer.  Son of Katherine Caruk and the late Peter Caruk, he was born November 20, 1951 in Morristown, New Jersey.  John received his engineering degree from the University of South Carolina and was a licensed land surveyor in South Carolina.

While John’s early years were spent in New Jersey, he called South Carolina home, and was respected by business associates for the quality of his work and the integrity with which he practiced his profession. His quiet demeanor belied his wry sense of humor, unfailing honesty, and strength of character.  John and Tammy were married 13 years ago in Las Vegas, Nevada, setting the stage for a love of travel the two shared.  Together they enjoyed trips to the North Carolina and Virginia mountains, every beach between Florida and Virginia, excursions to Niagara Falls, the Grand Canyon, the Dominican Republic, Jamaica, Colorado, New York, and their annual trip with family to the Florida Keys.  The trip to Jamaica was a particular favorite of John’s and he frequently recalled memories or funny stories about their time on the island.  His other passions--hiking, gardening, and trout fishing were surpassed only by love for his family. 

John is survived by his wife; children, Ashley Caruk Harris (Daniel) and Jonathan Caruk; stepchildren, Corbin Johnson (Ashley) and Blake Johnson (Ashley); step-grandchild, Bennett Johnson; his mother; brothers, Peter Caruk (Cheryl) and Mike Caruk (Doreen); nieces and nephews, Kimberly Caruk, Karlie Caruk, Nicholas Caruk (Christina), and Alexandra Caruk.  He is also survived by his faithful dog and companion, Remi.

A funeral a service will take place on Wednesday, May 9, 2018 at 3:00 p.m. at Thompson Funeral Home at Greenlawn Memorial Park with burial immediately following at Greenlawn Memorial Park.  In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials to be made to the Esophageal Cancer Awareness Association (ECAA), ECAware.org or P.O. Box 55071, #15530, Boston, MA  02205-5071, or the charity of one’s choice.

The family wishes to express sincere appreciation to Dr. Minter, Nurse Nancy, and the entire staff at South Carolina Oncology Associates for their care and compassion during John’s illness.