Karos remembered for kindness, commitment to Martinsburg

MARTINSBURG — Berkeley County, and Martinsburg specifically, is sharing grief at the loss of longtime city resident and public servant, George Karos.

Karos, who served for 24 years as an at-large council member (1976-2000) and then an additional 20 years as mayor, passed away Sunday at Hospice of the Panhandle’s in-patient facility.

Karos was the previous owner and operator of Patterson’s Drug Store, retiring in 2015. As an active member of the Martinsburg community, Karos played key roles in developing many initiatives and economic development projects, including the historic downtown redevelopment and the creation of Main Street Martinsburg. Karos was instrumental in bringing to life the Martinsburg Initiative in the city, as well.

Karos held many professional affiliations, including