George Charlton Klingman

The Klingman family is saddened to share that George C. Klingman passed away peacefully in his sleep late Friday evening, as his wife Janice (JJ) slept by his side. We would like to thank the hospice team at Lawrence General Hospital in Massachusetts for their unwavering compassion, support and kindness. We are strengthened by our faith, and know he is in God's presence. His family was always his first priority, and he leaves behind: his wife of 61 years JJ; his daughter Karen Stearns, her husband Craig and their children Alyson and her husband Sean, Matt and his wife Elise, Beth and Lauren; his daughter Amy (Amanda) Kosciw and her husband John, and Amy's children Shawn and Julie; and his daughter Tracy Surette and her husband Joe, and their children Jake, Luke, and Mary.

George was born in Canandaigua, NY, son of Mary and Chart Klingman, and sister to Marlene. He came from humble beginnings, and his first job was as a barber by his father's side at Chart's barber shop in Mifflinburg, PA. He continued this job while at Juniata College, so that he could make enough money to call his future wife, JJ at school. They were married shortly after George graduated, and started their family in Reading PA while George worked at American Casualty as an actuary-in-training.

After the birth of their first daughter, the small family moved to Connecticut in 1965, where George started a job at The Travelers Insurance Company in Hartford CT. He began his legacy career in the actuarial training program. After completing the program, he held various positions, eventually becoming Chief Actuary in the Personal Lines Division. In this position, he developed and mentored a number of outstanding actuaries. George also played a key role in the successful turnaround of The Travelers Personal Lines business in the late 80's. In the late 90's George and JJ moved to Tampa, FL to lead First Floridian Insurance Company, a Travelers subsidiary focused on the difficult Florida personal insurance market. George and JJ eventually returned to The Travelers Home Office in 1999, where he retired after 38 years of service in 2003. George was a respected and beloved member of The Travelers throughout his career.

George had many interests but most of all, he loved spending time with his wife. He and JJ traveled extensively, enjoying many camping trips in their RV, cross country trips, cruising, and family vacations.He was ever present in his grandkids' lives, attending shows, recitals, concerts, and many sporting events in freezing cold temperatures! George was also very spiritual and was dedicated to church life at Rockville United Methodist Church. He did everything from assuming the role of Treasurer, to singing in the choir and ringing handbells. He believed in the power of education, and worked tirelessly to instill that value in his kids and grandkids. George's actions were indicative of his love of family, his faith in God, and his devotion to JJ.

We would like to extend our gratitude and thanks to Lourdes, George's home health aid, for her kindness and caring.

Services to honor and celebrate George's life will take place on October 5, 2024 at 2:00 at the Rockville United Methodist Church at 142 Grove Street in Rockville CT. The family will be receiving friends and loved ones starting at 1:00, and all are invited to a reception in the church fellowship hall immediately following the service.