Paul Karpiscak

Paul Karpiscak, 87, of Olney, MD passed away in his home on April 10, 2020 from severalhealth complications. Paul was born on June 15, 1932 in New York City to John and Anna Karpiscak, who immigrated to the United States from Czechoslovakia. He received his bachelor's degree in physics from Purdue University in Indiana. Paul met his wife, Ann, at Holy Trinity Slovak Lutheran Church in
Manhattan and were married there in 1955. Paul worked for Lockheed Martin Corporation, and later NASA, as an engineer. While living in Winter Park, FL, Paul and Ann had two children, Paul Van and Lori. Paul worked on Project Vanguard in the late 1950s and received recognition from the media for flipping the switch that launched Vanguard 1 into space. Vanguard 1 was the first solar-powered
satellite and the oldest man-made object still in space.
Paul and Ann moved to Maryland in 1966 and have lived in Olney since 1970. Paul loved fishing, crabbing and golfing, but more than anything he loved relaxing with his family. Paul was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and gracious neighbor and friend to those who knew him. He was humble, gracious, kind and gone too soon from this world.
Paul is predeceased by his parents, John Karpiscak, Sr. and Anna Karpsicak; and his older brother, John Karpiscak, Jr. He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Ann Karpiscak; his children, Paul Van Karpiscak and Lori McKay (Scott); his grandchildren, Kaitlyn McKay and Ryan McKay; and several relatives.
Arrangements will be made by The Roy W. Barber Funeral Home in Laytonsville. A private funeral and burial will be held at Crestlawn Memorial Gardens in Marriottsville on April 17, 2020.
A memorial service honoring his life will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Luke’s Lutheran Church in Silver Spring, MD and the American Diabetes Association.

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