Joseph Chester Klope Sr

Joseph Chester Klope, Sr. 87

Hyannis, MA - Joseph Chester Klope, 87, beloved husband of Ann Lou Ager and former resident of Troy and Clifton Park, died peacefully April 1, 2011 in Hyannis, MA after a period of declining health. He was the son of the late Josef and Helena (Peretko) Klopotowski of Patterson, NJ.

Born in Poland, he immigrated to America at the age of 6 to begin his "wonderful life." While a student at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, he interrupted his education to proudly serve his country in WWII as 2nd Lt. and Engineering Officer in the US Merchant Marine in the Atlantic, Middle East, Far East and Pacific war zones. He returned to graduate from RPI in 1947 (BSME, '44). He was a member of Alpha Tau Omega, the varsity football team, and trombonist for the Campus Serenaders.

Although he previously met "Annie" on a Russell Sage College hayride blind date, it was a post-war chance meeting that led to their 64 year marriage, "always and forever" commitment and shared love of music.

He was a licensed Professional Engineer and served as President of the Capitol District Chapter of the NYSPE. His professional career included engineer and salesman for the Pfaudler Co. in Rochester, NY; President and General Manager of Pfaudler-Permutit of Canada; and Eastern US Sales Manager for Sybron and Carborundum of Rochester. He served as President of several RPI alumni chapters in New York State, and was Chair of the 50th Reunion Committee.

He had a life-long passion for learning and was an avid student of Polish and world history. Joe served as Director of the Burnt Hills Community Band and was founder and Director the High Society Orchestra. He loved the water, was a member of the Albany Yacht Club, and enjoyed travel adventures around the world.

His love, pride and unwavering support were never doubted by his children Christine (Paul) Greeley of West Yarmouth, MA; Susan Klope of New Rochelle, NY; Joanne (Daniel) Shamp of Ft. Myers Beach, FL; Joseph Chester (Chet) Klope, Jr. (Margot) of Hillsdale, NJ and Aileen (Edwin) Niehaus of Akron, OH. He was an adoring "Bompa" to his grandchildren Alyssa Greeley, Laura Eisenstein Diaz (Ralph), Sasha Eisenstein, Mark Shamp (Jessica), Stephen Shamp (Shannon), Curtis Klope (Becky), Nicole Klope, Joel Klope, Samuel Niehaus and Haydn Niehaus. He found joy in his great-grandchildren Jeremiah Diaz; Alexa, Tyler and Logan Shamp; and Silas and Sydney Klope.

Relatives and friends may call at the Bryce Funeral Home, Inc. 276 Pawling Avenue Troy on Saturday from 1-2 PM. Funeral service will be held Saturday at 2PM. Interment will be in Elmwood Hill Cemetery Troy.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Hospice and Palliative Care of Cape Cod, 765 Attucks Lane, Hyannis, MA 02601.

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