Obituary of Joseph C. Klose

Joseph C. Klose Age 80, of Elmira, passed away on Monday, June 14, 2010 at his home. Joe was born in Los Angeles, CA on October 22, 1929, the son of Joseph C. and Margaret (Dietrick) Klose. His family moved to Elmira in 1935, and he was a 1948 graduate of Elmira Free Academy. Joe was a 1952 graduate of Bucknell University and earned a Masters Degree in Education from SUNY Buffalo in 1972. He spent two years with the U S Army, serving in Europe during the Korean Conflict. Joe was a member of Harry B. Bentley Post #443 of the American Legion. Joe's family was proud to serve their country. His father served in the U S Navy aboard the destroyer USS Ward as a Quartermaster 1st Class during World War I. Later, the USS Ward became the first U.S. ship to fire shots at the Japanese at the start of World War II. Joe's great grandfather, William Jackson Klose, of Snyder County, PA, fought with the 184th Pennsylvania Volunteers during the Civil War. He was captured shortly after enlisting, and was eventually confined in notorious Andersonville, GA prison until the conflict's conclusion in April of 1865. Joe held several positions in business and industry before spending 22 years with the Buffalo NY School System as an elementary teacher and attendance officer. Upon his retirement he returned to Elmira and was a volunteer with Meals on Wheels and the Arnot Ogden Auxiliary. Joe greatly enjoyed the music of the big bands of the Swing Era and played saxophone with some local musical groups including The Elmirans and The Hepcats. Joe is survived by his cousin Kathryn Unangst of Scranton, PA and was predeceased by his dear friend Charlotte Ewald Chimilewski in 1996. Joe received excellent care from his dedicated and beloved caregivers as well as his neighbors, Richard & Margery Schornstheimer, over the past years for which he was very grateful. Private services will be held with interment to take place in Wildwood Cemetery, Williamsport, PA.