Stephen Harry “Steve” Karukas, 71, a former associate with the West Virginia University English Department and a prominent figure in Morgantown’s music scene during the 1980s and ‘90s, passed away peacefully Tuesday, November 25, 2025.
Born in Baltimore and raised in Towson and Bowie, Md., Steve was the second son of Harry and Dorothy Karukas, Bowie restaurateurs from the 1960s through the 1980s.
Though raised in suburbia, he developed an early love of nature while always living near woods and a creek.
In his mid-teens he began studying guitar, immersing himself in the DC music scene, building a wide-ranging collection of rock, blues, folk, and jazz.
A 1971 graduate of Bowie High School, Steve earned a degree in English from Frostburg College in 1980.
He served as a faculty assistant in the WVU English Department before transitioning to food service, working at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C., and later at Lakeview Country Club at Deep Creek Lake. Throughout his career, he remained involved with the Karukas family restaurant business.
An avid outdoorsman, he hiked extensively in the Shenandoah and Allegheny Mountains and traveled widely across the U.S.
While managing the kitchen at Morgantown’s Maxwell’s in the 1980s, Steve became a sought- after acoustic and electric guitarist and mandolin player. He performed regularly with many local bands, including Paradise Rangers, Little Axe, Bob Shanks, Critton Hollow String Band, and contributed to numerous studio projects.
After chronic back and arm pain ended his musical career, Steve spent his retirement years with 2 cats at his home by Dade’s Creek near Morgantown. He is fondly remembered by old school friends, former co-workers, and fellow musicians for his dry humor, ever-present intelligence, active friendship, and musical talent.
