Obituary of Thomas E. Klotz

Age 75, of Elmira, peacefully passed at home surrounded by his "crew" on Saturday, November 17, 2018. Tom had a zest for life and passion for family and friends. His commitment to his community was visible through many faces: BigFoot, Peter Pan, Parish Picnic MC, Notre Dame Casino Night, and BINGO at St.Patrick's, all in support of Catholic Education, and as Santa for PAL Program and many times at St.Patrick's Church. Tom was an active St. Patrick's parishioner, member of Parish Council and served as a Lay Reader for 35 years. Tom had a 51 year career at Kelley Bros. in Elmira, retiring having earned the Distinguished Architectural Hardware Consultant Award in 2014. Tom was born in Binghamton NY, son of the late Herman J. and Marjorie (Beston) Klotz. He was predeceased by brothers, Richard L. and James A. Klotz. Tom is survived by his wife of 51 years Mary Curtin Klotz, who was his high school sweetheart and love of his life; children and their spouses, Kathleen A. and Michael Parasch of Penfield NY, Gretchen M. and Michael Homer of Louisville KY, Thomas C. and Denice Klotz of Clark Summit PA, Timothy J. and Antoinette Klotz of Elmira, MaryBridget and Benjamin Barniskis of Fairport NY, Jonathan J. and Georgia Klotz of Elmira, Sarah M. and Cole Rosen of Horseheads NY; grandchildren , Nicholas, Caitlin, Melissa, Adam, Timothy, Luke, Jacob, Brandon, Justine, Allison, Andrew, Lindsay, Julia, Anna, Owen, James, Emily, Jonathan, Cailee and Gabriella; sister Nancy Steckel of McGraw NY; several nieces and nephews. A special thanks to all caregivers especially two sisters with very big hearts, Porky Tarby and Kathy Burchard. Family and friends are invited to McInerny Funeral Home, 502 W. Water St., Elmira, on Tuesday, November 20, 2018 from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. and 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. A prayer service will be held there on Wednesday, November 21, 2018 at 1:15 p.m., followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 2:00 p.m. in St. Patrick's Church. Committal prayers and burial will follow at St. Peter and Paul's Cemetery. Those wishing may remember Tom with a donation to either, Parish of the Most Holy Name of Jesus, 1010 Davis St., Elmira NY 14901; Holy Family Catholic School, 421 Fulton St., Elmira NY 14904; or Cincinnati Children's Fragile X Center, c/o Craig Erickson MD, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, 3333 Burnet Ave., MLC 4002, Cincinnati OH 45229.