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University of Connecticut

FUNERAL HOME

Hodges-Josberger Funeral Home

577 E. Elkcam Circle

Marco Island, Florida

Joseph Klimas Obituary

Joseph Klimas Marco Island, FL

Joseph Klimas died after a long battle with cancer on August 13, 2012.

Born in New Haven, CT in 1937 to Joseph and Margaret Klimas, Joe played all major sports at Branford High School, was the starting quarterback plus filled all kicking positions for the University of Connecticut football program and served four years in the US Navy on the aircraft carrier USS Tarawa. He also played professional minor league football in the United Football League , Atlantic Coast League, and the New England Football League.

From there he worked as a Parks and Recreation Director in Branford and Madison, CT and Manchester NH for the Model City Agency. Upon moving to Marco Island, FL he served as Youth Center director, and then launched a career in local radio and television sports broadcasting which spanned over 39 years. In addition he generously served as volunteer announcer for multiple local charity events over the years.

Joe is survived by his wife, Barbara; daughters Kerri Gray and Kristi (Jimmy) Hall; Grandchildren Jordan, Justin, Joey, Katie; his brother, Mike (Susan) Klimas and family; and many cousins and wonderful friends.

Calling hours at Hodges Josberger Funeral Home, 577 Elkcam Circle, Marco Island FL on Thursday (TOMORROW) August 16 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. with a memorial Mass at San Marco Catholic Church, 851 San Marco Road, Marco Island, FL on Friday, August 17th at 10:00 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Joe's honor to Special Olympics Collier County, 2663 Airport Rd S., Suite D101, Naples, FL 34114

Please sign guestbook naplesnews.com/obits

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Naples Daily News on Aug. 15, 2012.

Memories and Condolences
for Joseph Klimas

17 Entries

Barbara Plante

August 18, 2012

Barbara, Kerri and Kristi, I was so sorry to hear about Joe Mike. He was a great guy and a great cousin. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Barbara Mclean Plante & family

Tommy Smith

August 17, 2012

Klimas family- Just returned & wanted to convey our thoughts to you. Joe always asked about other people & the youngsters who were playing sports. His passion was the youth & will be sorely missed. I have great memories of the various times we spent together.

Scott Shook

August 17, 2012

We lost a good one when we lost Joe Klimas. My memories of this great man go back to my early high school days in the 1970s when my friend Mark and I used to travel to Lely's away football games with Joe and his broadcast partner at the time. Every time our paths crossed in the ensuing years I was always greeted with a big smile and friendly conversation. Joe always seemed happy to see me and I know I'm not the only person who can say that. The last time I saw Joe was at the Winged Foot Award when Tim Tebow was there. Although I'm sure Joe was suffering, he was the same positive, upbeat guy that I always remembered. So happy that I saw him that night. What a great couple he and Barbara were. And they did such a great job of raising their children. I feel richer for having known Joe. Carry on Barbara.

John Morrison

August 16, 2012

Cousin Barbara & Family; Every memory I have of Joe is a happy one. He was a pleasure to be around and talk too.

Love; John & Jennifer Morrison

Dick Erick

August 16, 2012

Barbara, there are so few people who have true ability and devotion for what they do. Joe did and we all were lucky to witness his passion. The voice of sports and the friend of so many. His memory will serve as a lasting tribute to the impact he made on Southwest Florida sports, kids and athletes. No matter when you think of Joe Klimas, you always smile.........he did!

Lex and Jack Janiszewski

August 16, 2012

Barbara and family...Our most sincere condolences for your loss. Joe was a great guy...a great cousin known as Joe Mike to the family...Jack was the kicker for UCONN football team after Joe Mike and we all recall our fun times at UCONN.
Joe Mike will surely be missed by everyone who knew him!

August 16, 2012

Not many people on Marco in those days but my mother always had fond memories of your family. Always positive, always motivated, wonderful voice. My codolences to your family and my wishes that mom and dad were there to welcome your husband and father upon his arrival!

Chris Crossan

August 16, 2012

Barb & Family,
Words cannot express Chris and my feelings for the loss of Joe. As you know I met Joe when you both first came to Naples, and he was a good friend for all of these years. He fitted the description of leaving a wonderful legacy behind, and was a true Icon for the Naples/Marco Communities. In all the years that I knew him I never heard him speak negatively about anyone, he will be missed big time!
Bill & Chris Barnett
Naples, Fl

John Retzner

August 16, 2012

an old buddy from Indiana

August 15, 2012

Barbara, my condolences to you and your family. I enjoyed speaking with you on the phone several times while trying to reach Joe. I was in radio broadcasting for 45 years and I know that Joe was in it for almost that long, too. It was always a pleasure having Joe on our International Sports Network. What a true gentleman. We will certainly miss him. May God bless you.
- Mitchell Mick

August 15, 2012

Joe you will be sorely missed by the old timers in Naples you were on of a kind. I think Naples was a better place with you here. You were the best and I was privalaged to have you as a friend.
Murdo

Harry Nell

August 15, 2012

I met Joe when he was with WNOG and I worked for the cable company. Joe was the kind of guy you liked the first time you meet. I remember helping him set up for a broadcast of the Eagles football game. I am sorry that we lost track of each other.

Nonnie Clark

August 15, 2012

I remember meeting Joe many years ago when my family first moved to Marco in 1973. I didn't realize that he was born in New Haven, CT and lived in Branford until now. I moved from Marco and live in Guilford, CT -not far from Joe's roots. I remember him as a kind and thoughtful man. My sincere sympathies to his family.

Richard Nichols

August 15, 2012

This is a man who made a DIFFERENCE. Thank You Joe!

August 15, 2012

I met Joe the first day he arrived on Marco. He was exploring the Island and had made his way to the Old Marco Inn where we sat and talked over a tall cool one,the only people in the place.
Joe had already fallen under the spell of Marco and it wasn't long before he and his family were firmly involved in the area, Joe in radio and television sports and his wonderful wife Barbara at the Marco Island Country Club as secretary to Jim Stackpool and eventually to Gene Sarazen and Ken Venturi.
Joe and Barb made their home and there life on Marco and contributed greatly to the community.
But now another of my old friends has gone on to bigger and better things. Joe was a great husband,father and friend and we will all miss him a lot.
My sincere sympathies to Barbara and family.
Pete McGill

Mike & Camille Mollis

August 14, 2012

Barbara,
We extend our deepest sympathy to you and your family. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.

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