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Jay Kleven Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Jay Kleven
Wayne Rebiejo
November 12, 2024
Jay and I were in the same English class. On the first day of class we were assigned a report on "Lost Generation Writers". Neither of us had ever heard of those writers before. That evening I went to the very old wooden building along side of the SLZ fire department to look up said writers. There was Jay sitting at a table smiling up at me. I plunked down next to him shaking my head and asking him if he had any luck. I don't know if we were that dumb or didn't ask the right questions but we found nothing of use to us so we passed the evening away shooting the bull and laughing our heads off (mostly at how ignorant we were at finding nothing). By the end of that week I transferred out of the class and left Jay watching me leave. He toughed it out just like a Hemingway character who was a Lost Generation Writer. Way to go buddy!
Michael Gartrell
May 15, 2010
I met Jay when we played Little League. I played ball against him until we finally became teammates in high school and then American Legion. He was one of the nicest people I ever met. Even though we lost touch after high school I was proud to consider him a friend.
It shocked and saddened me to hear that he is no longer with us. My heart, thoughts and prayers go out to his family with their loss.
Dan Greene
May 7, 2010
While attempting to look up some of my old St.John's classmates, I was sad to to discover that Jay had passed away. I played on the St. Johns basketball team with Jay in 7th and 8th grade along with Ken Sobrero(who later played at Gonzaga) Dave Woodfin, John Bellinger, and others. I also played against Jay in Little League - I believe Jay played with Chris Dayak(who played varsity Bball at St. Mary's College)on the US Market team. Jay was always a fun, positive teammate. He was one of the first people I thought of when I checked the St.John's alumni roster.
George Mannion
July 15, 2009
My heartfelt condolences to the
the Kleven family.
I have asked my brothers Mike and Pat if they had talked to Jay over the years. I saw and talked to Jay at a Norfolk Tides game(probably about 1975) and to this day I still have an autographed baseball from Jay. I'm truly saddened with his passing.
Sincerely,
George Mannion( St. John's 1958)
Jeannie Atencio
July 11, 2009
To All The Klevens,
We just got back from another funeral of a SLZ HS grad where we told of the sudden passing of Jay. Dan and i were shocked.
Jay and I went to St. John's for eight years together and then SLZ.. Dan got to meet Jay through the Murray family and at SLZ when he played baseball and basketball for the Rebels. He was certainly the All-American boy next door known for his athletic and leadership skills. But Jay was so much more than that. He was kind to all. Respectful and hard-working. He was confident yet friendly.
We followed Jay's professional career and had heard through the grapevine the different highlights of his life.
What a loss for the Kleven family and friends. He was one of the best!
Sincerely,
Jeannie (Garcia) Class of 67
and Dan Atencio Class of 65
Johnny Santos
July 11, 2009
I just came back from the funeral.There was alot of people Jay was loved by.There was one person that I was so proud of.That was Jay's son Jerry John.He got up in front of everyone and just took care of it.He let us know it's going to be ok.You made your dad proud "little cuz".The pictures of Jay in Mets uniform blew me away.Live game shots!! I was so proud to be Jay's cousin today.I will miss him.KLEVEN KLAN #1
Nathan Ramos
July 10, 2009
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
I enjoyed playing Fastpitch softball with Jay and Jerry. It was great to listen to Jay's stories about his Pro-Baseball experiences.
Ron Lucchesi
July 10, 2009
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. I was so sorry to learn of Jay's passing. I grew up on Via Arroyo, at the opening of Via Bolsa. It was a great childhood full of good memories and adventures, which always centered around the Klevens. My heartfelt sympathy to the Kleven family.
Ron & Mary Danese (Dyer)
July 10, 2009
To Jay's Family,
My sincere condolences to your family on Jay's passing. I was lucky to have attended St. John's and San Lorenzo High School with Jay. My parents, Joe and Marie Dyer, and my brothers, Jim and John Dyer, were also close friends of the family. Jay was a wonderful person with an unforgettable laugh. Jay was a friend to everyone, and he made the world a better place. I am fortunate that Jay was a part of my life.
I regret that we are in Oregon this week and are unable to attend Jay's services. My thoughts and prayers are with your family.
Ron & Mary Danese (Dyer)
Marty Jenkins
July 10, 2009
I am so saddened by Jay's passing. I remember I was just a dopey freshman baseball player, trying to find my way at SLZ and Jay couldn't have been nicer to me. He befriended all the younger players and we looked up to him like he was a true superstar. Terry, my family will pray for you and your children and I will remember Jay as one of the really great people I have known in my lifetime. I'm sorry I won't be able to attend the service today as I just found out today and I'm up in Rocklin and can't get there in time.
John Santos
July 9, 2009
I thought about you all day today Jay. You taught me Tom Seaver's curve ball, how cool was that? The family has lost one of our best. My heart goes out to Terry and Jerry John and the rest of the family. I love you all. Visalia rules! You got me last Jay. Love Johnny
Dave & Carol Hartmann(Pinto), SEH '65 / '66
July 9, 2009
Our most sincere condolences to the Kleven family on this sad occasion. May Jay find peace in God's loving hands.
Craig Sobrero
July 9, 2009
To Jay's family - my heartfelt sympathy for the loss of this wonderful guy. Our families grew up together at St. John's. Jay's mom and dad, Jerry and Joy, were very good friends of my mom and dad for many years. They were the most delightful friends my parents had. It was always a joy to see them. May God bless Jay and his family.
Dennis Hermosa
July 8, 2009
To the Kleven family,
I am deeply saddened about Jay's passing and I'd like to express my sincere condolences.
Jerry, you're right, the great memories will help us all get through this. I shared some of Jay's baseball stories around a campfire over the weekend, including his great line to Tom Seaver, "I could catch you in a rocking chair!"
I'm sorry I won't be able to make it to the service on Friday, but I'll keep Jay and all of you in my thoughts.
claudia maddox
July 8, 2009
Jory and family, Am so sorry to hear about Jay. Even though he was several years older than us, I remember him with a smile on his face. Thinking of you Jory. Love Claudia
Lynne Allen
July 8, 2009
I am so saddened by the loss of Jay. I went all through St. John's with him and always thought he was a very sweet person, and always had something nice to say to his classmates..plus he was smart! Although I haven't seen him since he was at St Elizabeth during his first year of high school, he was always one of the good guys. We have lost a very special man. My sincere condolences and prayers go out to all of his family, God bless you all during this difficult time.
Lynne McManamy Allen
Joe banchero
July 7, 2009
Jay was in my brother Larry's class at St John's and I was a year behind. At a young age he always was a friend to everyone even to a underclassman like me. What impressed me the most was how easy going and like able he was, really genuine. I always thought if more of us could go through life like Jay the world would be a better place. I thought so highly of Jay my son's middle name is Jay hoping so of that would rub off on him. I would run into Jay and his family every once in awhile and always left feeling really good inside, that's what Jay did to you.
Paul Larkin
July 7, 2009
My condolences to all of the Kleven family. My 4 brothers and I grew up around the corner from the 4 Klevens: they were a great family (still are I'm sure). Jay was a great athlete but it never went to his head. I remember him as a very positive guy. Thanks for the great memories of those days in San Lorenzo.
July 7, 2009
I was so sad when I learned of Jay's passing. My heart goes out to his family at this difficult time. Jay and my brother, Dana, were buddies in high school and played baseball together. My condolences to the family. Linda (Andrada) Mahadevan
Tom & Kitsie Larkin
July 7, 2009
Our condolences and best wishes to the entire Kleven family. Great memories of growing up in San Lorenzo, going to St. John's and the old neighborhood.
Joe and Pat Banchero
July 7, 2009
WE are so sadden by the news of Jays Death. My Husband Joe grew up with Jay and his brothers. Our son Tony middle name is Jay.My husband wanted our son to know how much he looked up to Jay. As a Friend and BaseBall Player. He will be truly missed. Joe and Pat Banchero
Charlene Abeyta
July 7, 2009
My heart is saddened at the passing of the first Kleven Grandchild...Jay Allen Kleven.
You graced our family with your smile, your kindess & your sense of humor.
You taught us by example to love, respect & honor family...and what an example you were.
Our family is ever blessed to have had you, Jay...you left footprints on all our hearts...you made our family better because you were part of it...and your legacy, love & honor will live on for many many years!!!
All my love, respect & admiration for a life well lived...by the Grace of God, I'll see you on the other side...until then, thanks Jay, you truly are one of the GOOD GUYS.
Char
Terry, Jerry John, Jeff, Jory, Jerry Lee & all his family my prayers & thoughts are with you. May God give you strength & courage during this difficult time and may the wonderful memories bring you comfort today & always. God Bless!
Larry Silva
July 6, 2009
My sympathies to Jay's family. I was Jay's classmate for eight years at St. John School, San Lorenzo. He was always a great athlete, and I was definitely not, but he never put me down and was always very kind to me. I am sorry I lost touch with him, but it sounds like he has remained the very kind and caring man I knew him to be.
I will offer Mass for Jay and for your family. God bless you all.
+ Most Reverend Larry (Clarence) Silva
Bishop of Honolulu
July 6, 2009
Jay Kleven was one of my 3 brothers. I loved him more than anyone can imagine.He was the greatest person you could ever know.He touch everyone that knew him.Although he left us unexpectedly,there was nothing left unsaid because everytime we said good-bye there was a hug a kiss a be careful and a heart felt I LOVE YOU.I miss you so much already and I know with all the beautiful memories,I will get though this.I LOVE YOU JAY. YOUR BROTHER,JERRY LEE KLEVEN
July 6, 2009
My heart goes out to Jay and the Kleven family. I first met Jay when Jerry invited me over to his house on Stokes Ave. Jerry and I were in the 5th grade, I remember as if were yesterday. Jay looks down at me and says, So...your Jerry's little friend! I must have been 4' 3" 75 lbs max, and Jay looked to me the biggest, 6'2 250 lbs, yet coolest dad I ever met. He always had a great presents. He will be missed, but not ever forgotten!
Ron Wiedeck (San Ramon, CA)
Marko Santos
July 6, 2009
As the youngest of the "19" and growing up in the Kleven family, I always looked at Jay as "My Hero".I was so proud to have a cousin who played in the "bigs".As I grew up, I still looked at Jay as "My Hero"...not because of baseball but because of the type of man he was. So kind and thoughtful,funny and smart. I will miss him very,very much!! Terry and Jerry John, My thoughts are with you and I love you guys!!
Penny (Mintz) McCamey 1972 Class Contact Coordinator
July 6, 2009
Terry...On behalf of all your "1972" Classmates our condolences to you and your family. Please know you are in our thoughts and prayers.
July 6, 2009
I knew the Kleven family in St. John's parish and many years later taught summer school for Fremont Unified in the early '90's with Jay. We talked about his baseball career and his stories of Willie Mays when Mays played for the Mets his last year, 1973.
Such a kind, unassuming man. And he has so many friends who I know will be at his service on Friday.
My heartfelt condolences to the entire family.
Dennis Caracciolo
St. John's Class of 1960
San Lorenzo High Class of 1964
Kathy Skomsvold
July 6, 2009
I didn't know Jay but graduated from SLZ in 1966, and heard of his passing through my sister-in-law, Mary Ann Davis Nelson. I am also a San Francisco Giants fan.
Having lost my mom this past December, my heart deeply goes out to Jay's family. I am so very sorry for your loss.
Karen Stinson
July 6, 2009
My heart is sadened by the passing of the first of the "19". He was such a kind and loving person. Please know that I am thinking of you ,Terry & Jerry, and of course all the boys and their families.
Barbara (Reyes) Tribble
July 6, 2009
Even though I haven't seen Jay in years, when I think about him the memories bring a smile to my face -- because he always made me smile. Terry and Jory, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this very difficult time.
Jerry Allen Kleven
July 6, 2009
My condolences to Terry, Jerry John, Jeff, Jory, Jerry Lee. Since I heard about Jay's passing all I can think about is my Dad & Uncle Jerry & Uncle Kenny are having a little "CATCH" getting caught up things. Aunt Katie getting the cold drinks ready for them after they are done. Grandpa Kleven brushing "BIRDIE" before a long walk down to the watering hole & Nana Kleven rocking in the chair doing her crossword puzzles. We miss them all but Jay is having a GREAT visit with all of them. See everybody Friday. GOD BLESS!!!
Greg KLeven
July 6, 2009
I offer my condolences to all of Jay's family. Jay was just an all around nice guy. I'm sure all the memories you have of Jay will help you during this time of difficulty.
Greg Kleven
July 5, 2009
There are too many happy memories to mention here. The Kleven family has lost one if it's best. We can show our love and respect for Jay by emulating him. We will all be better people for doing that.
Mike Kleven
Connie, Gary, Mary and Colleen Kleven
July 5, 2009
Terry,Jerry, Geoff and Jory our condolences go out to the both of you. We all will miss his smiling face and jokes. As we all know his is with Joy and Jerry and Uncle Ken and the three of them are talking baseball and singing while Jerry is playing the piano! He was a fantastic teacher and philosopher. "Jaybird, we love"
Paul Kleven
July 5, 2009
I knew Jay to be a gentle and loving man and have many memories of our childhood when all of us were taught to be that way by the example of our parents. Our family will miss his physical presence but we will always have him in our mind. He was indeed one of the good guys.
John Dyer
July 5, 2009
Terry, Geoff, Jory and Jerry.
Our sincere condolences on the sudden loss of your spouse, brother and loving father. I have such fond memories of the goodness Jay shared with me and everyone who came in contact with him. You will all be in our thoughts and prayers, that God will comfort you during this very difficult time. I would love to talk to you, Jerry, if you can please call me at 209-601-9842.
God Bless you all,
John & Vickie Dyer
July 5, 2009
Greetings to Terry and family. A man like Jay can never be forgotten, because there are so few like him. We all are lucky to have been close to him and enjoy his spirit. Bless you in this time of grief and bewilderment. Our condolences to you.
Kurt Kleven
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