Rose Karavan

Rose Karavan, - 90 years, of Wildwood Crest, passed peacefully in her home on April 30, 2018, after a prolonged illness.

The youngest of 10 children, she was born Rosemary Palovick in Mt. Carmel, PA.  Rose traveled to the Wildwoods in 1948 where she met her beloved husband, Harry. They married in 1950 and lived happily together for 54 years until Harry passed in 2004.

In 1955, Rose and Harry opened the Karavan Grill on Cedar and Atlantic Avenues in Wildwood. The restaurant was a popular gathering spot and frequented by many popular musicians of the day. Rose and Harry loved music and dancing. Harry played the clarinet and saxophone and would frequently appear on stage with various acts while Rose cheered from the audience.

In 1967, they acquired Kelly‘s Cafe Restaurant in Wildwood and operated it for over 20 years.  They touched the lives of thousands, establishing lifelong relationships with many of the patrons and employees that worked there.

Rose spoke three languages fluently and enjoyed traveling the world with her husband and family.  She particularly enjoyed visiting the Holy Land and Greece.

Introduced to football as a child by her older cousin Chuck Bednarik, she remained an avid football fan. She was delighted to see the Eagles finally won a Super Bowl championship before she passed.

She is survived by her sons, Marcus and George and her grandchildren, Luke, Mark, Michael, Jenna and Alexa, as well as many nieces, nephews and god-children whom she dearly loved.

Viewing and memorial services will be held at the Saint Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church, on St. Demetrios Boulevard in North Wildwood, which Rose and Harry helped to found in 1968.

The family will receive friends and guests on Saturday, May 5 at 9:00 AM. Funeral services will be held immediately after at 11:00 AM.

Memorial donations will be gratefully accepted by St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church.

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