Charles Martin "Chuck" Karavanic

Charles “Chuck” Karavanic — Devoted Husband, Father, and Proud Longtime Owner of Breeze Thru Deli and Sports Court Lounge

Charles Martin “Chuck” Karavanic of Weirton, West Virginia, passed away on Thursday, March 5, 2026, at the age of 73.

Chuck was a devoted husband, father, and the proud longtime owner of Breeze Thru Deli and Sports Court Lounge, two family businesses he built that became familiar gathering places for friends, neighbors, and customers throughout the area.

Born January 13, 1953, Chuck was the son of the late Peter G. Karavanic and Mabel Christine Karavanic. He was a proud graduate of Weir High School, Class of 1970 (Rules!), and a proud alumnus of Marshall University. Chuck was an avid sports fan who especially enjoyed cheering on Marshall and his favorite Pittsburgh teams, and he also had a great love of music.

Chuck married the love of his life, Karen, in 1987. Together they built both a family and the businesses that would become such an important part of their lives. In 1988, shortly after welcoming their first daughter, Janna, Chuck opened the Breeze Thru Deli. Two years later, in 1990, he opened Sports Court Lounge. As their businesses grew, so did their family. In 1995, they welcomed their second daughter, Jillian, during a time when they were also completing a major renovation of the home they still live in today.

Chuck spent much of his life building and running these family businesses. He dedicated many years to creating places where people could meet, share stories, watch games, listen to music, and feel at home. For decades he could be found opening the doors in the morning, making sure everything was ready for the day, and keeping the places he built running for the people he cared about. He also loved the beach, going to football games, and had a great love of music.

Chuck followed in the footsteps of his parents, Peter and Mabel Karavanic, who owned Old Oak service station and who instilled in their family the importance of hard work, dedication, and caring for those around them. His father proudly watched Chuck build the Breeze Thru Deli and Sports Court Lounge, right next door, and remained proud of the life and work he created.

Above all, Chuck was devoted to his family. He worked hard to provide for them and spent many years working alongside his daughters in the family businesses, passing along the values of hard work and responsibility that defined much of his life.

In his final months, Chuck faced his illness quietly and chose to keep his health private, not wanting to burden the people he loved.

His family is proud of everything Chuck and Karen were able to build together, the life they created for their daughters, and the lasting impact Chuck made through the businesses he founded and the relationships he built over the years.

Chuck is survived by his loving wife, Karen Karavanic; his daughters, Janna Karavanic and her longtime partner Mark Snyder, and Jillian Karavanic and her husband Griffin Gillman; his brother Thomas Peter (Ruth) Karavanic; his sister Kris (James) Dunlap; and many relatives, friends, neighbors, fellow business owners, employees, and loyal customers who became part of the extended family he built through his businesses.

In keeping with Chuck’s wishes, cremation will take place.

A Celebration of Life for Chuck will be held on Monday from 4:00–7:00 PM at Sports Court Lounge, where friends, family, and those who knew him are invited to stop in, share memories, and raise a glass in his honor.

Chuck’s family would like to thank the many friends, neighbors, fellow business owners, employees, and loyal customers who supported him and our family over the years and who continue to support us during this difficult time.

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