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Richard Klares Obituary
When the going gets tough, some men fold, some turn to the bottle and others wallow in self- pity. Not the case with Richard J. Klares, a solid and ethical man, both morally and physically upright in the manner of the old school. "When he died in that absolute massacre, a piece of America died," said his son, Doug Klares.
The son of a German immigrant who laid tracks for the subway system and a stenographer, Mr. Klares, 59, grew up in Harlem and the Bronx. He went to merchant marine college at Fort Schuyler in the Bronx, and in the fashion of the old days, married his high school sweetheart, Veronica Bavoso.
He was a risk engineer for Marsh & McLennan, and had a meeting Sept. 11 on the 105th floor of the south tower to tell a client how to make its factories more safe.
It is easy to admire a man who is a success, his son said. It's when a man is down that you can take his true measure.
"When I was in high school, he lost his job and was out of work for a year," Doug Klares said. "Every day I'd come home, and he'd be there with his head held high. He never ever gave up. He used to say, 'No matter what's in front of you, attack it, deal with it, be a man.' "
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Lonnie Scheinblum
September 11, 2023
Always remembering U with LOVE & RESPECT.
Lonnie Scheinblum
September 11, 2022
Your dear friend Michael Scheinblum now passed on this week (9/6/2020) has joined you in blessed memory-will always remember our good times together with Ronnie. Love & respect, Lonnie Scheinblum
John Finn
September 11, 2020
I have retired from teaching and will no longer be able to share your story with many students, but I will tell others who choose to listen and remember.
John Finn
September 11, 2019
Another year has passed, but you are not forgotten.
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John Finn
September 11, 2017
Your life will be remembered again this year in all my classes
Susan Wallace
September 11, 2017
Remembering.
John Finn
September 11, 2016
Hi Dick,
Tomorrow I will share your memory with my high school students at Don Bosco Prep. You will help them understand the significance of the day. None of them remember 9-11 and most of this year's freshmen were not yet born. I hope you don't mind that I'm doing this ;). Thanks again for all the help you gave me during our years at Sedgwick.
All the best, John
John Finn
September 10, 2016
I will be telling Dick's story to all my high school classes this week. Most of freshmen were born after 9-11. We do not forget.
Stephen Klares
June 18, 2015
I dont know if our family's are related but from all that I've read about Mr. Richard J Klares we have alot of the same qualities. Rest easy
John Finn
September 19, 2014
For the past 9 years it has been my privilege to teach high school students about 9 11. Dick was my friend. He is remembered each year in my classroom.
September 11, 2014
Remembered
S J. Friscia III
April 16, 2014
In memory
With Honor & Respect.
Sam Keen
December 30, 2013
I visited the ground zero site in sept of this year 2013 and I took a photo of the memorial, and the one and only name that stands out in my photo, which is now in a photo book ( a present from my wife) is the name of Richard Joseph klares... So I wanted to find out more, and what a man I've read about, I'm an ex British solider and he sounds like a man who made it happen and was full of pride. I didn't know the man, but his name will be with me and my book of photos for ever. I hope the klares family have the spirit to get over this loss and make life happen. Love from England .
Beatrice
November 27, 2013
Your mass card is still on my refrigerator. You would've been 72 yesterday, and well into retirement. . . . or not, maybe. Yeah, likely not.
Rene Mathis
September 11, 2013
Dick was a colleague. A true professional. A friend. Time passes. Memories stay with us. God Bless you.
George Oddo
September 18, 2011
I allways had a general sadness for the those killed at the World Trade Center, but I had no knowledge of any of them personally. One day I received a letter from Mount Saint Michael with a tribute to those killed at WTC. Lo and behold, there was my old friend. Richard, who I had lunch with every day for four years. I remember him as a good friend, funny and great to be around.
The class of 1959 lost a good friend that day, but the memories will allways be there. I pray and hope God gives his family comfort that we will all be rejoined in time.
George B. Oddo class of 1959
September 11, 2011
REMEMBERED ALWAYS!
September 11, 2011
Dick Klares will not be forgotten by his many friends in the UK, he was a great guy who we all respected and treated as a friend
John Gibbs ex Pfizer UK E-mail [email protected]
September 11, 2011
I feel the pain of this horrible loss. I never knew Richard Sr. but felt the pain of his son's loss.....and remember this every year. God bless this family and all loved ones lost in 911.
Joe Di Maria
John Finn
August 20, 2009
I worked closely with Dick for seven years at Sedgwick. He was a great role model and mentor. Some of his advise which I remember to this day "Never let them see you sweat." Not an original thought, but given to me at a time when I needed to hear it. Thank you Dick.
Michael Murphy
September 15, 2008
Dear Ronnie and family; I just recently heard about your great loss. I haven't seen any of you for 40 or more years yet I was shocked to find out about it. May God bless you all
Veronica Klares
September 6, 2008
I can't believe that you have been gone for seven years. You are missed every day but I just have to look at our three wonderful sons and six grandchildren to know that part of you lives on. You have left a legacy of integrity, dignity and honor. I know that we will meet again some day but until then, know that I love and miss you and will for the rest of my life.
Doug Abraham
November 26, 2007
Happy Birthday!!!
P Tabbernor
November 25, 2006
In memory....
Kristine
November 7, 2006
As I cross-stitched your name on the memorial that I am doing for all of the victims, I prayed for you and your family. Please know that your death was not in vain. We will always remember. God Bless.
jerry herlihy
April 19, 2006
I remember all the klares boy's growing up in mt.kisco, ny. I did know about your dad passing on sept. 11 but could never find anything like this before today. Doug was ny camp instrutor at leanord park back in the day. My heart goes out to doug and his brothers abd his wife and his entire family. God bless all of you...
DOT TOFT
September 15, 2003
TO ALL IN DICK KLARES FAMILY
I HAVE ONLY JUST BEEN MADE AWARE OF YOUR WEBSITE HONOURING THE MEMORY OF SUCH A GREAT GUY. INDEED ON THAT AWFUL DAY WHEN WE HEARD OF HIS DEMISE IT LEFT ME WITH A HEAVY HEART. I HAD THE PLEASURE TO MEET DICK IN THE EARLY 90's FOR THE FIRST TIME WHEN HE BECAME PFIZER LTD. UK REP. WITH RESPECT TO INSURANCE ISSUES AND HELP MAKING OUR PROCESSES/PLANTS SAFE AND SECURE. OVER THE YEARS WE USED TO BE IN WEEKLY REGULAR CONTACT/LIAISE ON THE PHONE RE BUSINESS DEALINGS (IN THE DAYS OF JOHN GIBBS PFIZER - MY BOSS! & DAVID SMITH OF IRI INSURANCE) AND MADE ALL HIS ACCOMMODATION AND OTHER ARRANGEMENTS WHEN HE VISITED PFIZER HERE AT SANDWICH, KENT, UK (USUALLY STAYING AT THE ROYAL ALBION HOTEL IN BROADSTAIRS - HIS CHOICE OVERLOOKING THE ENGLISH CHANNEL. THERE IS AN AMUSING STORY RE THIS BUT TOO LONG TO RELATE HERE). HE WAS SUCH A 'BIG' MAN IN SO MANY WAYS, A FANTASTIC GENTLEMAN, ETHICAL, CHARMING, GENEROUS IN NATURE, SUCH AN INTERESTING, AMUSING & FUN PERSON TO DEAL WITH. LIFE IS VERY CRUEL BUT HIS LEGACY WILL LIVE ON.....CERTAINLY
FOR OVER 10 YEARS OF WORKING WITH EACH OTHER FROM TIME TO TIME I WILL RETAIN MEMORIES OF A 'MAN OF THE PEOPLE', ALWAYS UP-BEAT (I USED TO LOOK FORWARD TO HIS 'DREADFUL' JOKES...!) & IF IT WAS A 'LOW' DAY YOU CAN GUARANTEE HE'D SOON CHEER
EVERYONE UP.
EVEN THOUGH THE YEARS PASS, YOU CAN REST ASSURED THERE WILL BE SO MANY LIKE MYSELF WHO WILL REMEMBER HIM WITH AFFECTION AND PLEASURE AT HIS BEING PART OF OUR LIVES.
WITH SINCERE CONDOLENCES, EACH ANNIVERSARY OF HIS PASSING WILL NOT GET ANY EASIER BUT I WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER A LARGER THAN LIFE SOUL WIT HIGH REGARD AND ESTEEM.
DOT TOFT EXEC. PA TO SITE LEADER
PFIZER GLOBAL MANUFACTURING
Alison Varley
September 10, 2003
Doug:
It is September 10, 2003 and I just found out about your father.
I am so sorry for your loss.
Your father was a wonderful person who always treated others so nicely.
You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
Alison Varley
Dennis Nathanson
September 12, 2002
Veronica, While I didn't know your husband, I came to know you well during the years we worked together. I was deeply saddened by your loss and my prayers are with you and your family. Dennis
frank klahre
September 9, 2002
frank b klahre .he will live for ever in haven
Steven Wright
May 21, 2002
Mrs. Klares and Family,
I knew Dick through his work with Sumiden Wire Products, part of the Sumitomo Electric Group. I simply do not know how to express my horror and sadness at the loss of this good and kind man.
Dick was always one of the hightlights of my visits to New York because of his kindness and innate ability to make people feel important. I genuinely miss the contact I had with Dick.
May God bless all of you.
God Speed to Dick....
Veronica Klares
April 18, 2002
I was blessed to be loved and married to this remarkable man for more than 38 years. We were high school sweethearts. We married after college and raised three outstanding sons. There is no way I can describe how much I miss him and the void that is now in my heart and will be forever, He was an ethical, honest human being and a truly devoted husband and father. That morning before he left for the meeting he would attend in the World Trade Center, he came over to me as I lay still half sleeping, took his hand and gently touched my face and said "Ron, I love you". I will have these last words he ever spoke to me forever in my heart. Richard, you are and will be with me always.
Love,
Your wife
Ronnie
Gary Cordes
March 24, 2002
Dear Family Klares,
I was horrified to read in the News from Ft. Schuyler that Dick was lost in the WTC attack. In Sept 1962 I entered the Maritime College and he was my first company commander. At first he was feared by all the "Mugs". Tough but fair. In what seemed like dark days he gave me a great deal of encouragement. Although I never saw him again after he graduated in 1963 I never forgot him. His encouragement helped me graduate from the Maritme College and go on to a long career in the US Merchant Marine.
I can only imagine your loss and extend my sincerest sympathies.
Captian Gary Cordes
Yvonne Mulcahy
March 19, 2002
Doug,
I was so sorry to hear of your great loss. I hope you & your family are doing OK, and I just wanted to let you know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. Wishing you all a loving & lucky New Year and I hope your Dad shines down on you all forever.
Warmest wishes,
Yvonne Mulcahy
Cassandra Greenberg
March 18, 2002
Although I didn't know Mr. Klares, I did know his son Doug at Fox Lane, and I did live two streets over from the family. I would like to extend my condolences to the entire Klares family.
Cassandra Greenberg Brewster, NY
Fox Lane Hight School, Class of 1988
Michael Scheinblum
February 25, 2002
Dick epitomized my idea of a true insurance professional, something hard to find in our industry, these days! My association with Dick encompasses most of my business career, first as risk manager for Heublein, and later R. J. Reynolds. In fact, as Director Of Risk Management for Heublein,I transfered our account from Fred S. James when he resigned from that firm. Simply, the Heublein executive staff recognized the critical role he played in protecting our assets and earnings with his expertise in property loss control. Our mutual friend at FIA, Phil Curran often told me that Dick was the most qualified fire protection engineer working for a broker. Now, my friends, you are together again! Dick loved his work, but family always came first. We travelled the world together, and he often spoke of Ronnie and the Boys, and Dudley! I am very proud to say, we made a great team, and called ourselves the dynamic duo. My friend, you are sorely missed. With love, admiration and deep respect, rest well....you deserve it!
February 12, 2002
DEAR GOD SHINE YOUR LIGHT ON THIS BEAUTIFUL MAN RICHARD J.KLARES AND MAY HIS SOUL REST IN PEACE WITH GOD AND HIS ANGELS..GOD BLESS HIS FAMILY AND FRIENDS..STAY CLOSE AND NEVER FORGET 9/11/01..GOD BLESS AMERICA AND NEW YORK..MAY GOD GREET YOU AT THE GATES OF HEAVEN..AMEN
Sal Criscuolo
February 5, 2002
I went to the Mount with Richie in the late fifty's. He graduated in 59, I in 60. We used to meet at the coffee shop on 238th Street near the El and have breakfast together with another fellow, Bob Stout. After he graduated, I knew he went to the Merchant Marine Academy, but lost track of him as school chums often do. I often wondered how he made out, what with the Viet Nam war going on and such. I guess he went on, as the rest of us, to have a family and build a career. He really has not changed that much since those days except for some grey hair. I will think of you often, old friend.God Speed.
Regards,
Sal
Robert Cucolo
January 22, 2002
Richie,Scott,and Doug I'm so sorry for your loss. While I never got to know your dad personally as well as I knew the three of you,I know that he was a tremendous man who bestowed his traits in you all. He always struck me as aman of grand stature when he walked into the fish market and I am heartly sorry for your loss.
Marcie Levine
January 17, 2002
Doug,
I was so sorry to hear of your great loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Warmly,
Marcie Levine (Fox Lane-Class of 1990)
Teresa Jahn
December 26, 2001
We are deeply sorry for your loss of Richard. May his ethics, life and love live on through all who love him. Our hearts cry with you.
America Cries
We see your sorrow-
and our hearts cry....
We can not erase your pain
but you do not have to face the anguish alone-for we-
-the American people-
are beside you.
We so desperately want to have the touch that brings you comfort,
the strength that gives you courage,
and the words to lighten your spirits.
And when we are left speechless
may the silence of our nation weave love into your hearts
to ease your sorrow.
May you find healing through our nation's strength as we-
-the American people-
face this difficult time together. Our hearts are with you. Teresa Jahn
Dixon, IL
Robert Sullivan
December 24, 2001
I worked with Dick on the Groton Pfizer account and sadly miss his support on the projects. It was a honor knowing him. Bob Sullivan Pfizer Fire Marshal
Barbara Capalbo
November 17, 2001
I am sorry I didn't send a card to you but I don't remember seeing anything in the local newspaper about Mr. Klares death. Please know that people still care about those who died in the World Trade Center. It's more than two months later and we still care. I am so sorry for your family. I cannot imagine what you are going through. Please know we'll add your dad to our prayers.
Derek Chandler
November 16, 2001
Have known Dick, who looked after the Sandwich facility account, for many years. A really great guy, straight,fair,really good company
and will be missed by many at the
Pfizer UK location who had a very
high regard for Dicks integrity
and professional ability.
harold boxer
November 13, 2001
Dick lived 3 hoses up from us in Mt. Kisco.
At first I called Dick, "Mr. Klares" because, in my mind, he was intmidating.
It did not take long before I called hime Dick, as he was truly a kind and gentle man.
It
Monique Klares
November 6, 2001
Richard Klares, "Pop", was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and just an overall good guy. I have the great good fortune of being married to his son, Scott, and have a thousand memories of happy times with Pop.
We can't comprehend how he could have been taken from us this way. We all miss him every minute of every day.
Our hearts are broken for what we've lost. The pain is deep and seemingly unending.
Pop, we miss you. As you would have said, "We'll see you when we see you."
Jay Caruso
October 25, 2001
I have known Dick for quite sometime as I worked with him from Fred S. James through Sept. 11th at Marsh. Dick was the best when he was with people and client/colleagues love to be with him. That was because he was real, he was not a phony. You always knew where he stood on all issues. But more importantly, he was loved by many people and we all will miss him.
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