Jerzy Feliks Karcz departed this life on December 11th, 2018, in his home in Bath, Maine.  

He was born in 1955 in New York City to Irena Matuszak Karcz and Jerzy Feliks Karcz. He spent his childhood in Santa Barbara, California and various countries in Europe, learning to speak French fluently. As a teenager, Jerzy learned the art of photography from his stepfather, Marian Kalinowski, a superb photographer. Technically brilliant, he supervised a 15-person commercial laboratory producing high quality photography at a young age. He was also a guest lecturer at the prestigious Brooks Institute of Photography. 

A true renaissance man, Jerzy realized he had to experience many adventures in life to become a great photographer. While taking pictures around the world, he undertook a wide variety of jobs: racing motorcycles, working as a steel worker on bridges and skyscrapers, painting houses, working as a mechanic, and building his own airplane. He also built a drag racing car for his niece and nephew which was the envy of all kids in the neighborhood. Other experiences included driving tractor trailers in France, working in  a carnival, and manufacturing precision lubricants in Germany.  

An ardent lover of nature, his photography is recognized nationally. He coauthored “Portraits in Courage – Voices of Hope, A Photographic Essay of Breast Cancer Survivors” in 2001, a book which is still found in cancer support centers. He also taught others photography as an Associate Professor for the University of Maine and in local adult education programs. 

In addition to his photography, Jerzy was a home remodeler as well a licensed gas technician. He spent many years improving and repairing homes and businesses throughout the local area. Tackling difficult projects with confidence and determination, he always produced quality results. Though he possessed a talent for design, engineering and actual construction beyond that of most tradesmen, he was not afraid to work and would dig in to do the difficult and complex jobs.  

Jerzy was a devoted father to his daughters, Dakota and Victoria of Topsham, and a loving son to his mother, Irene Kalinowski. He also leaves behind four siblings: Jan Karcz, Mysia Pallas, Bartholomew Karcz, and Joseph Karcz as well as numerous nieces and nephews. 

A Celebration of His Life will be held in spring of 2019. Arrangements are being made Daigle Funeral Home, 819 High Street, Bath, ME.  Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, 1 Bowdoin Mill Island, Suite #300, Topsham, ME 04086.  Condolences may be made online at www.Daiglefuneralhome.com.