Aloysius P. "Al" Klitsch

Aloysius 'Al' P. Klitsch

It is with profound sorrow and deep gratitude for a life well lived, that the family of Aloysius "Al" P. Klitsch, 77, shares that he departed this world on July 28, 2025.

A man of unwavering integrity, kindness and selflessness, Al was more than a beloved husband, father, grandfather and friend, he was a pillar of the community.

Born and raised in Jim Thorpe, Al was a son of the late Aloysius J. Klitsch and Pauline (Marzen) Klitsch, owners and operators of Klitsch Radio and Electric of 56 Broadway, Mauch Chunk.

Upon completion of high school, he 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, taking up residence in the borough. 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 Klitsches moved full time to their home in Lake Harmony, which is one of the five homes he built for his family. His commitment to selflessness did not stop at his family. He was a lifelong member of Lake Harmony Fire Company and a member of Jim Thorpe Fire Company and Penn Forest Fire Company No. 1.

At a young age, he began holding various positions and earning numerous accolades. It was during that time 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 a recipient of the Mauch Chunk Trust Company Local Heroes, 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 positions of service. He was the first to show up in a crisis and the last to leave.

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 this month; his children, Dawn (Klitsch) Perez (Dominic) of Bulverde, TX, (Gabriella, Kylie and Lauren), David (Jennifer) Klitsch of Lehighton, (Ashlyn, Brandon and Jamison), and Maria (Klitsch) Ryan of Lansdale, PA (Emily and Megan); sister, Helaine Barclay of Allentown, PA; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Thomas; sister, Sr. Mary Aloysius; and infant brother, Joseph.

Service: The family invites friends and family to join them on Sept. 13 at St. Joseph's Catholic Church, Jim Thorpe, for a viewing (9-11 a.m.) and Mass of Christian Burial (11 a.m.) in the very church in which he was baptized. Interment will be at St. Joseph's Cemetery, Jim Thorpe, following the 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!"