Glorious Race to the Finish Line
Karil Vangeloff, a choice spirit of God, departed with the setting sun, on Thursday, January 30, 2003 at the age of 78 in the loving arms of his wife and family.
He leaves behind his most priceless treasures: his eternally loving wife, Shirley Stringham Vangeloff and their seven fabulous children: Karl-John 22, Erik Karil 20, Kosta Rae 18, Raina Joanne 17, twins Kyler Lund and Kyra Del 15 and Sterling Kane 9
Karil was born in Cincinnati, Ohio on July 24, 1924 to Macedonian immigrants Raina Damianova and Kosta Vangeloff. His family moved to Detroit, Michigan when he was four. During the depression, his father died, leaving Karil at only 8 years old, his mother and his three younger siblings almost penniless. In order to help support the family, Karil worked selling newspapers, cleaning the ball field, shining shoes and much more. He also served as an alter boy. At this tender age, the development of his incredibly strong work ethic was emerging.
With great love for his country, a very patriotic Karil enlisted in the Army Air Corp, where he flew missions over China during World War II. Having honorably and courageously served his country as the front gunner on a Flying Tiger, the "Joker Fly," Karil came home a medal-honored serviceman. His patriotism for and dedication to America remained an all-important part of his life, and that of his family. Even 53 years later, Karil arranged for a reunion of the remaining crew members who had flown with him.
After the war, Karil took a job as a taxi cab driver, and, after being held up three times, wisely switched to dispatching. He became an Oldsmobile car salesman. Because of his honesty, integrity and hard work, Karil bought his own dealership in Detroit.
He opened "The Dinner Bell" family restaurant. With keen business sense and handclasp of Colonel Sanders, Karil developed the outskirts of Detroit territory for 29 Kentucky Fried Chicken restaurants and became know as "The Kentucky Fried Chicken King of Detroit."
Karil always had a liking for the theatrical arts. In 1979, Jerry Grant produced a successful musical revue, "Showplace Theater," they pioneered the sound and look-a-like concept with the hit show "Copacabana" in 1982, other shows included "The Hit Parade Singer" and Jackie Mason at the Attaché. A kind person and an astute businessman, Karil will be greatly missed by the entertainment community. Karil loved thoroughbred horse racing. In Chicago, Detroit, New York and South Florida, he soon became a successful horse owner, winning many handicap and stakes races.
Like his thoroughbred horses, Karil's life was a glorious race to the finish line. A kind and gentle man of character and integrity with great compassion and love of the Lord, his infinite generosity benefited family, friends and countless charities. Always remembering his roots and faith, Karil bought the land for and helped build St. Paul's Orthodox Cathedral in the Detroit neighborhood, where he grew up.
He will be dearly missed by Loiuse Pargoff, a beloved daughter from his first marriage, her husband Chris and their children, Nicole and Mathew who called their grandfather "Bakka." He is also survived by his devoted brother, George, and sister, Virginia of Michigan, adoring mother-in-law Della Stringham of Salt Lake City, brother-in-law and friend Dr. Phil Stringham, FL., sisters-in law: Mary S. (Spencer) Cottam, Salt Lake; Audrey S. Brady, Phoenix, AZ., and Marjorie Stringham, Salt Lake; and countless other family members. Close friends include long time entrusted business partner and best friend, Norman Masters, and sharing his love of horses, life and family are Joanne Jackson and Ed Wingate. He will be greatly missed by all those lucky enough to have known and loved him.
Viewing will be held at Baird-Case. Jordan-Fannin Funeral Home, 4343 North Federal Highway, Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, on Monday, February 10th from 6-8 p.m., and on Tuesday, Feb. 11th from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, Feb 12th at 12 noon, at Christ Church, 4845 Northeast 25th Avenue, Ft. Lauderdale (954-771-7300). Immediately following the funeral service, internment will be held at Our Lady Queen of Heaven Cemetery, 1500 South State Road 7, North Lauderdale (954-972-1234). Contributions can be made in Karil Vangeloff's memory to the National World War II Memorial, P.O. box 96766, Washington, D.C., 20090-6766, or call: 1-800-639-4992, or e-mail:
wwiimemorial.com.