Obituary of Clarence J. Klinkbeil

LeRoy ~ Clarence J. Klinkbeil, 92, passed away peacefully on Sunday, May 12, 2019 in Rochester, NY, in the loving presence of his family. He was born on October 3, 1926 in Le Roy, NY to the late Michael and Mary Elizabeth (Kunzer) Klinkbeil.

Clarence served in the U.S. Marines from March 1944 until August 1946, serving in the Pacific during WWII from May 1945 through August 1946 as a private and then earning the rank of Sergeant.  He first qualified as a rifleman and then qualified as a radio operator for air missions. He had active air engagements in the Pacific from June 1945 through July 1945 and then served with the ground forces in the occupation of China from October 1945 through July 1946.  He was honorably discharged from the Marines in August of 1946.

He re-enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in April of 1951 and served in the U.S. Air Force from 1951 through 1968, as a flight navigator, radio operator and later as a recruiter. After WWII, he was stationed in Germany. He was honorably discharged from the USAF in 1968 after serving more than 20 years. 

After retiring from the Air Force, he was co-owner of the Klinkbeil Furniture Store on Main Street in Le Roy, NY; then worked as the City of Batavia building inspector and finally served as the first Village Administrator for the Village of Le Roy before his retirement. During this time, he served on many Boards for Batavia and Le Roy. He also had many fond memories of the people he worked with and served with in Batavia, Le Roy and in the Genesee County area. He respected the close relationships he had with the people he worked with, on the many Boards he served on, and the people in the various communities. His approach was "what is best for our community?"

He loved to read books, listen to his favorite music (Glenn Miller & country) and communicate worldwide using his ham radio. He was the one everyone would go to for advice on any subject. He loved fishing, boating, camping and anything he could do for and with his family.  He also was an expert electrician, plumber and carpenter.  He taught the home inspectors some things as well.  Where he learned those skills, we do not know. He began his work ethic by unloading 100 lb. bags of sugar out of boxcars for the Jell-O Factory while still in school. He was gifted at so many things and had knowledge of everything. One of his best skills was playing cards. Euchre & Poker were his favorites. Playing cards with his brothers & family was a daily and valued affair.  

Clarence’s fondest moments were spent with his grandchildren and great grandchildren. As his family grew and spread outside of the area, he had an unofficial family reunion each July at a cottage in the Finger Lakes region that would bring family members together from Alaska, Texas, Colorado, Florida and more; so as generations grew, family members would stay close. Family was his joy right until the end.

Clarence is survived by his wife, Helen (Zielinski), whom he married on April 14, 1951, and children, Barbara (Michael) Perry of Le Roy; Richard (Maureen Rosamilia) Klinkbeil of Huddleston, VA; and Mary (Rob Jones) Garrison of Easton, PA; his grandchildren, Matthew Perry, Christina (Trent) Jandik, Nathan (Michele Lennon) Perry, Shannon Detone, Erica (Donnie) Sharp, Richard “Chaz” (Leah) Klinkbeil, Andrew Klinkbeil, Brandon Klinkbeil, Jason Klinkbeil and Stephen Garrison; and his great-grandchildren, Lilliana and Delaney Perry; Rose, Kathryn and Elizabeth Jandik; Julia Lennon, Gabriel Detone, Mila Garbaccio, Aria and Ella Klinkbeil and Aubrey Klinkbeil; and his brother, William (Rachel) Klinkbeil and sister-in law, Anne Klinkbeil and several nieces and nephews.

Clarence was predeceased by his son, David Klinkbeil; and his siblings and their spouses, Julius (Jean) Klinkbeil, Jane (William) Page, Charles (Margaret) Klinkbeil, Victor (Nancy) Klinkbeil, Michael (Shirley) Klinkbeil and Thomas Klinkbeil.

There will be no prior visitation.  His Rite of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, May 18, 2019 at 10:00 AM at Our Lady of Mercy Parish, St. Peter’s Church, 44 Lake Street, Le Roy, with interment to follow in St. Francis Cemetery, Le Roy, NY. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Our Lady of Mercy Parish or the National Warplane Museum, P.O. Box 185, 3489 Big Tree Lane, Geneseo, N.Y. 14454.