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Robert Klaes Obituary
1947 - 2014
FLORENCE
Robert L. Klaes, 66, of North Maple St., passed away unexpectedly Thursday, February 27, 2014 in Kissimmee, FL. Born in the Bronx, NY September 29, 1947, he was the son of the late James G. and Virginia (Lee) Klaes. He was educated in local schools, a 1965 graduate of the former St. Michael's High School and later graduated from Springfield Technical Community College. Bob was a Vietnam War Veteran, earning the Bronze Star while serving in the US Army with the 101st Airborne Division. Bob worked at several area Waldbaums Foodmarts for 30 years, later at the Big Y in West Springfield and Northampton for 10 years as the meat manager. He was an avid Yankees and Giants fan, loved coaching his kids, enjoyed playing cards, golfing, and his monthly outing to JP's. Bob was a tremendous cook, loved putting on feasts for his family and vacationing with his family. Bob was the perfect mix of strength and sensitivity; he was the type of husband parents would want their daughters to marry and the type of man that they would want their sons to become. Bob is survived by his high school sweetheart and wife of 44 years, June (Willard) Klaes, his four children Brian Klaes and his wife Mary of Amherst, Kate Klaes of Chicopee, Moira "Muffy" Murphy and her husband Ryan of Roslindale, MA and Brendan Klaes and his wife Kate of South Boston, his brother William Klaes of South Deerfield, his sister Rose Klaes of Hatfield, his grandchildren Jenna, Colin, Erin, Nolan, Shannon and Brady Klaes and Brooke and Robert Murphy and several nieces and nephews. Bob's Funeral will be Thursday morning 9 a.m. from the Ahearn Funeral Home, 783 Bridge Rd., Northampton followed by a Liturgy of Christian Burial in the Annunciation Chapel of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish, 87 Beacon St., in Florence at 10 a.m. Burial with Military Honors will follow in St. Mary's Cemetery. Calling Hours are Wednesday from 4-7 p.m. Donations in Bob's memory may be made to Shriner's Hospital, 320 Carew St., Springfield, MA.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Robert Klaes
Muffy
June 19, 2014
I truly appreciate reading all of your thoughtful comments about my dad. He is greatly missed.
March 20, 2014
I am very sorry to hear of your loss. I worked with Bob for many years at A&P/Food Mart. He was a pleasure to work with and always a gentleman. Elaine Barron Kowalczyk
Cheryl Hewes
March 11, 2014
Kate and Muffy and Family, Sorry for the your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this sad time.
From your "The old Model Bake Shop Family"
Bryan McFarland
March 8, 2014
Bob was a wonderful man to work with. Always had a smile. My prayers are with Bob and his family.
How you can show support
Bobbie Carthon
March 7, 2014
I worked with Bob At Foodmart and Big Y. May GOD give you the strength to help you through this difficult time. Your family will be in my prayers
Rosalie Carmel
March 6, 2014
To Bob's wife, children, and extended family, I would like to share that Bob was an extremely kind and considerate person and friend, as well as a simply great boss to me, throughout his career at Big Y, where I have been lucky enough to have worked with him for that period of time.
I am especially touched to share that, in my near 43 year career with Big Y, I had never before taken any length of time off for any kind of medical leave prior to my recent four month leave for a knee replacement.
That said, I consider it a great blessing to share that on the very first day of my return to work after this long absence, Bob was himself working his last day of work before going on a golfing vacation with his son in Florida; which was something that he was greatly looking forward to doing.
So, in the magical way that our universe works, I feel so blessed to have been able to have worked with Bob on his last day before his vacation, as he was in such a great state of mind; joking and laughing throughout our day, especially around "The Blue Dot Sale."
Bob will be dearly missed by me and so many others. I offer my deepest condolences to all of Bob's family.
Kornelia Hammerschmidt
March 5, 2014
June I am so very sorry for your loss. I have been thinking of you and your family these last few days. My prayers are with all of you.
March 5, 2014
June, So sorry to hear of Bob's passing. My prayers and with you and your family.
Jackie (Laflam) Pawlikowski
Cathy Hennessey
March 5, 2014
June, I was Bob's first female Meat Manager Trainee at Big Y 9 years ago - he was such a great guy to work with and always spoke of his love for his family. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Jim & Wendi Bombard
March 5, 2014
it was a pleasure to know and work with Bob, Wendi and I both did many times over the years He will be missed
March 5, 2014
Sincere condolences to the Klaes family. My husband Marvin worked with Bob at the Food Mart in South Hadley. He said Bob was the best boss he ever had and thought very highly of him. Sincerely, Pat Whitehead
Jim Brooks
March 5, 2014
June , My deepest sympathy for your loss . Bobby's smile and laughter will remain with all who knew him for the rest of our days.
Jim Brooks
March 4, 2014
So sad to hear of your loss.Our prayers are with you and your family,Sylvia (Pidgie)Sacrborough & Johnny scarborough
KELLY O'Brien
March 4, 2014
June, I am so sorry for the loss of your husband. I am thinking about you and your family during this very difficult time.
Todd & Pam Denno
March 4, 2014
We are sorry to hear of Bob's passing. We will remember him fondly and cherish the times we played cards with him.
Tom Massimino
March 4, 2014
So sorry for your loss. What a shock to hear of it. I worked with Bob at Food Mart. He was a great guy. Always smiling and happy and always a good word! He will be sadly missed by many.
March 4, 2014
We are so sorry to hear of Bob's passing. We both worked with Bob at Food Mart. He truly was one of the great ones. We remember Bob buying Oreos and hiding them from the kids. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Perry and MaryPat Krumsiek
Craig Strong
March 4, 2014
It was a pleasure to work with Bob. He took great pride in helping people to succeed. Bob was also a good friend, and was thoughtful in ways that weren't always apparent. I will miss him. My deepest sympathies to his family and friends.
Mary Isabelle
March 4, 2014
So sorry for your loss. Sending prayers your way. I worked with Bob in West Springfield.
March 4, 2014
Very sorry for your loss, he will be missed greatly. Pat A, Northampton Big Y
Allen Cormier
March 4, 2014
Very sorry for your loss. I had the pleasure of working with Bob at food mart and again at Big Y. He was very proud of his family and would always tell stories about his grandchildren.
March 4, 2014
Dear June,I am thinking of you and your family. My deepest condolences for your husband's passing. Ellen Moraitakis
March 4, 2014
So sorry for your loss...he truly was a kind and gentle man! I also worked with him years ago but he has a personality that you just never forget! My thoughts and prayers are with all of his family and friends! Deb (Balboni) Croteau
worked with Bob in West Springfield Big Y
Dawn Frazer-Malone
March 4, 2014
My thoughts and prayers are with the Klaes family. I worked with him at store #03 he was always smiling and always friendly to everyone .
Tricia Guzman
March 4, 2014
To the entire Klaes Family, I was lucky enough to work with Bob at the Big Y in Southampton! He was such a wonderful man who spoke lovingly of his family all the time! I feel very honored to have known such a great man, may he rest in peace. My thoughts and prayers will be with you all!
Loretta
March 4, 2014
Muffy
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. You and your family are in my prayers.
March 4, 2014
MY PRAYERS FOR THE KLAES FAMILY. JOE BOSTIC LAKELAND FL.
laurie thibodeau
March 4, 2014
I was so sad to hear of Bob's passing.I worked with him at Bigy,he was a really wonderful person who talked about his family with a lot of love.
Shirley Hennessy
March 4, 2014
My deepest sympathy to Jenna & her family on the passing of her grandfather.
Fran and Denise Fitzell
March 4, 2014
To the Klaes family,
We worked we Bob for many years at Food Mart. He made fun with his vibrant personality and infectious laugh. He was a great man who will be greatly missed.
You now have an angel watching over all of you.
March 4, 2014
June, Brian, Kate, Moira and Brendan...We are so heartbroken over your loss. Bob was a wonderful man, a gentle giant, a kind soul...We love you!
~Anne and Kathy Drummey
George Kopacz
March 4, 2014
Bob, Rest in peace!
janine kozlakowski
March 4, 2014
HI KATIE I am so sorry for your loss of your dad my heart goes out to you and Collin please know your in my thoughts and prayers please know you have us with you much love janine
margaret starzyk
March 4, 2014
Dear June so sorry to hear about your husbands passing but thoughts and prayers are with you
Tammy Masse
March 4, 2014
I worked with Bob at Big Y in West Springfield and in Southampton. You hit the nail on the head in the obit, if there is a perfect human being Bob was a good example of that person. Always polite, funny and he made my day everyday. I will miss his great smile and his words of wisdom. Rest in peace my friend miss you everyday. It was my honor and privilege to have known you.
Liz Pease
March 4, 2014
My deepest sympathies to the Klaes family. Bob was a great co-worker and all-around nice guy and will be deeply missed.
Sheila Bleau
March 3, 2014
June, my heart and thoughts are with all of you at this very sad time.
Carolyn, Jonas & Jackson
March 3, 2014
Moira,
Thinking of you and all of your family this week. We so much wish we could be there to support you in person. Love to you all in this difficult time.
Chris Rogers
March 3, 2014
So sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers go out to all the Klaes family. May you all be blessed with strength and fond memories to help you through your time of sorrow.
God bless.
Laura (Malouin) Sciacca
March 3, 2014
So sorry for your loss! Our thoughts are with all of you!
Kim and Kelsey Thibodeau
March 3, 2014
Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire Klaes family. His smile, sense of humor and the genuine man he was will truly be missed.
We are so sorry for your loss.
Melissa Stanley
March 3, 2014
sorry for your loss. Bob was a great man to know.
Mike Ellerbrook and Family
March 3, 2014
Brendan and family,
Hamp loses another good guy too young. We are thinking about you and your family. The good memories will help the tough times pass. Keep your head up.... He would want you to. -Mike
March 3, 2014
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time. Love Mike, Erin, Derek and Kara Denning ( New Hampshire)
Keith Desroches
March 3, 2014
To the entire Klaes family, very sorry for your loss. Those of us who worked with Bob over the years recall how much he loved and spoke of his family.
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