Obituary: Raymond Kleber, 88, WWII Veteran, Talented Boatsman

[Editor's note: This obituary was provided by Lesko & Polke Funeral Home.]

Kleber – Raymond Kleber, age 88, of Fairfield, formerly of Albrightsville, PA, devoted husband to the late Marie Swoboda Kleber, passed away peacefully on January 26, 2013 in St. Vincent's Medical Center. 

Affectionately known as "Pops" by those who loved him, Ray will be remembered by his children, Donald Kleber, and his wife, Julianne, of Fairfield, Raymond F. Kleber, and his wife, Nanci, of East Greenwich, RI, Diane Louise Sargeant, and her husband, Craig, of Ewing, NJ; his grandchildren, Matthew James Kleber, of Arlington, VA, Dr. Amy Corcoran, and her husband, Kevin, of Philadelphia, PA, David Westcott, of Boston, MA; great grandson, Patrick David Corcoran; one brother, Walter Kleber, of Dumont, NJ; two nephews, Richard Kleber, of Andover, NJ, Kenneth Kleber, of Andover, NJ. In addition to his beloved wife, Marie, Ray was predeceased by two brothers, Harold and Henry Kleber.  

Born and raised in Guttenberg, NJ, Ray lived in Cliffwood Beach, NJ, and later, in Albrightsville, PA before recently moving to Fairfield to be closer to his family. He owned and operated two Women's Apparel stores in Cliffwood Beach and Burlington for 10 years. He continued working as a knitting mechanic for Needle Craft Corporation until his retirement. An Army veteran of World War II, he proudly defended the United States of American under the direction of General George Patton, and was the recipient of several medals including the Bronze Star.  

A talented boatsman, fresh and saltwater fisherman, and hunter, Ray truly enjoyed spending time outdoors, especially when involving the company of his family and dear friends. He was a lifetime member of the VFW, in Clifford, and longtime member of Pine Forest II Firehouse's support organization. An ardent New York Giants Fan, he relished the opportunity to attend last year's Super Bowl with his family.  

His Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday at 11 a.m. in St. Pius X Church, 834 Brookside Drive, Fairfield, with Fr. James Bowler, S.J. officiating. Interment with military honor with follow in Lawncroft Cemetery.  

Memorial contributions may be directed to: American Warriors, P.O.Box 337, Versailles, CT 06383 (www.AmericanWarriors.us)  To order flowers online, travel directions, or to sign his guest register, please visit www.LeskoPolkeFuneralHome.com