Aloysius Paul Klitsch

It is with profound sorrow and deep gratitude for a life well lived, that the family of Aloysius "Al" P. Klitsch, age 77, from Bulverde, TX shares that he departed this world on July 28, 2025. A man of unwavering integrity, kindness, and selflessness, Al is more than a beloved husband, father, grandfather and friend, he was a pillar of the community.
Al was born and raised in Pennsylvania, and is the son of Aloysius J. Klitsch and Pauline (Marzen) Klitsch, owners and operators of Klitsch Radio and Electric of 56 Broadway, Mauch Chunk, PA. Upon completion of high school, Al went to St. Louis to diesel mechanic school, where he met his wife, Linda (Oestricker) Klitsch. Upon marrying, Al and Linda returned to Jim Thorpe, PA taking up residence in the borough. At a young age, Al bought the business from his father and nurtured it into one of the town's beloved businesses. Al grew the business into Klitsch Electric, which became a cornerstone of the local economy for nearly 71 years, until his retirement in 2010. In the summer of 1986, the Klitsch's moved full time to their home in Lake Harmony, PA which is one of the 5 homes he built for his family. His commitment to selflessness did not stop with his family. He is a lifelong member of Jim Thorpe Volunteer Fire Company and Lake Harmony Volunteer Fire Company. He is also a member of Penn Forest Volunteer Fire Company 1. At a young age, he began holding various positions and earning numerous accolades. It was during that time that Al served as Fire Chief for 17 years. Al educated himself to become a Pennsylvania State Fire Instructor, teaching younger men and women basic fire skills, as well as more dangerous skills such as Rapid Intervention. Al was the recipient of the Mauch Chunk Trust Company Local Heroes award, which later, his son was also awarded. He saved countless lives while mentoring a new generation of first responders. His bravery and calmness under pressure were matched only by his deep compassion for those in need. Al's service did not stop there, he was an integral member of Carbon County Emergency Management, the Kidder Township Board of Supervisors and several other local government positions of service. He was the first to show up in a crisis and the last to leave. His generosity was quiet but far reaching. Many people in Jim Thorpe and at the Lake Harmony have stories of how often Al helped them through difficult times, often without fanfare or recognition. Upon retirement, Al and Linda relocated to Bulverde, Texas where they built a cottage on their daughter's property. Anyone that knows him, knows that he cannot just retire! He worked at Home Depot in the electrical department, then later being hired as the Electrical Pro at Lowe's.
To know Al was to experience the rarest kind of humanity. His steady presence, open heart, tireless spirit and willingness to tell you just the way it is, made him not only a local hero, but a model of what it means to live a meaningful life. Many will tell you that the presence of the red truck brought calmness and safety, while others could only remember 9720 (the family's landline) in an emergency!
Al is survived by his beloved wife, Linda, with whom he celebrated 58 years of marriage 2 weeks ago; his children, Dawn Perez (Dominic) of Bulverde, TX (Gabriella, Kylie and Lauren); David (Jennifer) Klitsch of Lehighton, PA (Ashlyn, Brandon and Jamison); Maria Ryan of Lansdale, PA (Emily and Megan); sister, Helaine Barclay of Allentown, PA; many nieces, nephews and cousins. He is preceded in death by his parents, brother, Thomas; sister, Sr. Mary Aloysius; infant brother, Joseph.
Services are scheduled on Saturday, September 13, 2025 at St. Joseph's Catholic Church, Jim Thorpe, PA for viewing (9-11am) and Mass of Christian burial (11am) in the very church he was baptized in. Interment will be at St. Joseph's Cemetery, Jim Thorpe, following Mass. In honor of Al's legacy, the family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to your local SPCA, honoring Al's beloved dog, Sami.
Though Al is no longer with us, his spirit endures - in every act of kindness, every selfless gesture, and every life he touched. He showed us what one person can do to positively impact their community. He was and always will be our hero. "Stay Safe Out There!" To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Aloysius, please visit our floral store.