Edward J. Kloczko

Edward J. Kloczko, 96, widower of Irene (Champa) Kloczko, passed away on Saturday (January 30, 2021) at home surrounded by family. The youngest son of the late Ignacy and Antonina (Reczko) Kloczko, Edward was born in Bristol on November 22, 1924 and remained a Bristol resident throughout his life. He attended St Stanislaus School where in third grade he met Irene, the girl who was to become the love of his life. He later attended Bristol High School before enlisting in the United States Marine Corps at age 17. The World War II veteran would go on to serve in the South Pacific theatre with the 1st Marine Division, 5th Defense Battalion as an anti-aircraft crewman. After his service, he studied heating, plumbing, and electrical services to earn his licenses, and then went on to co-own and operate Quality Oil Company in Bristol. Ed was a lifelong member of St. Stanislaus Church and an active participant in many parish organizations, including the Men’s Organization, the Golden Agers, Choir, and Explorer Scouting. He was generous with his time and energy and was always available to help when assistance was needed. Ed enjoyed the outdoor world through activities including landscaping, gardening, and fishing. He appreciated vacationing with his family and the new adventures it provided. He loved music and song, a gift passed on through the generations. Ed had a special ability to find creative solutions to problems, and it seemed like he could fix almost anything. His talents were especially revealed in many woodworking projects, ranging from remodeling rooms to building furniture to woodcarving. Quiet, unassuming, and a man of great faith, Ed never sought praise or recognition in this life, but simply saw what he needed to do and did it to the best of his ability without question or complaint. He was intensely honest, loyal, dependable, and hardworking; truly a good man. Faith in God was the foundation on which he built his life. His greatest pride and love was his family, and in particular his wife Irene, whom he cared for with tenderness and devotion, especially in her declining years. The example of his life leaves an indelible impression on those who knew him. Edward is survived by his four children: Tim Kloczko, Nancy Kloczko MD, James Kloczko, and MaryEllen Schigas and their respective spouses Cheryl Franzi Kloczko, Martha Burritt Kloczko, and Mark Schigas; six grandchildren: Elizabeth Kloczko Wescott, Nathan Kloczko, Sara and Edward Kloczko, and Julia and Joseph Schigas; one great-granddaughter Sofia Wescott; co-in-law and friend Lee Schigas, and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents and siblings Walter Klocko, Mary Markure, Helen Kloczko, and Stella Konopka. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday (February 4, 2021) at 11 AM at St. Stanislaus Church, 510 West St., Bristol. Burial, with military honors, will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery, Bristol. Relatives and friends may call at Funk Funeral Home on Wednesday between 5 and 7 PM. Edward’s family fully understands that many who would otherwise like to honor him with their presence will not be able to do so because of the present situation. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Stanislaus Church. Comments or tributes would be welcomed at the website www.FunkFuneralHome.com. A celebration of Ed’s life will be planned for later this year when circumstances permit.