Seung C Karl's Obituary
Dr. Seung Chul Karl, 94, of Tampa, Florida, went to his heavenly home peacefully on April 9, 2022 in Tampa, FL. Born on November 28, 1928 in South Korea, the oldest of 10 children, survived World War II and the Korean War. People of that generation had hardships that present generations could never understand. He relayed stories of doing medical school classes on the beach in Busan. Somehow that generation became successful and moved Korea’s healthcare practices into the modern era.
He was a professor of Microbiology at Yonsei University, Severance Medical Center. He came to Philadelphia to finish post doctorate work at Temple University and worked at Albert Einstein Medical Center in Philadelphia afterward.
He later moved to New York and worked at Willowbrook State School doing research in immunology and microbiology. He focused his efforts on clinical pediatrics and at the age of 50, did a residency at St. Vincent’s Medical Center on Staten Island. Upon completion, he moved to Conneaut, Ohio and had a very successful and robust clinical career treating patients all over Northeast Ohio. He retired in 2000 and moved to Hernando, Florida. Eventually moving to Tampa where he would spend the later years of his life.
He was a devout and faithful man.
He was a leader in the Korean United Methodist Church wherever he lived: Philadelphia, Staten Island, Ohio and most recently, a long-serving elder of Tampa Korean United Methodist Church.
He was a trailblazer – a Korean immigrant that moved his career and family to the States in search of greener pastures and opportunity. He left a comfortable life in Korea in search of greater things for those he cared most about.
When he first immigrated to the United States, he was the leader of a vibrant young immigrant community of future professionals in Philadelphia. He continued this love of fostering relationships by staying involved in the Yonsei University Alumni Association.
He was a family man who loved sitting with his family – his children and grandchildren. He was quiet and strong and loving.
He is preceded in death by the love of his life, Young Ho Lee.
He is survived by his four loving children, daughter Susan Karl Hong and her husband Jack Hong of Tampa, FL; son Dr. John Karl and wife Jin Karl of Myrtle Beach, SC; son Sam Karl and wife Hannah Karl of Lyndhurst, NJ; daughter Grace Karl Chin and husband Dr. Patrick Chin of Montvale, NJ; and six grandchildren, Stephen Hong of Herndon, VA; Jennifer Karl and husband Paul Chang of Boston, MA; Lesley Hong of Tampa, FL; Jamie Karl of Durham, NC; and twins Samantha Chin and Olivia Chin of Montvale, NJ.
The funeral will be held at 11am on Friday, April 14th at Tampa Korean United Methodist Church, 26211 East County Line Road, Wesley Chapel, FL 33544. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Tampa Korean United Methodist Church.
What’s your fondest memory of Seung?
What’s a lesson you learned from Seung?
Share a story where Seung's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Seung you’ll never forget.
How did Seung make you smile?