Joseph Edward Kleponis, 79, of Gettysburg PA died Wednesday May 9, 2018 at Gettysburg Hospital.
Born March 20, 1939 in Tamaqua, PA he was the son of the late Albert and Winifred (Waselefsky) Kleponis. He was the husband of Kathleen A. (Manges) Kleponis of Gettysburg to whom he was married 55 years.
Mr. Kleponis was a Navigator in the United States Air Force, serving 20 years prior to retiring at the rank of Major, and then worked as a civilian for the United States Navy. While in the USAF he flew combat missions in F-4s in Vietnam, for which he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross. Upon his return he was assigned to the Special Air Missions squadron at Andrews Air Force Base. One of his more interesting missions there was to fly the astronauts of Apollo 18 on a goodwill trip around the world in 1973. Joe loved golfing, fishing, John Wayne movies, and spending time with his family. He might not have been able to remember the name of a random golf pairing, but he could tell you every golf shot on every hole he ever played.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by his children, Susan M. Parker and her husband John, of Millsboro DE; Joseph A. Kleponis and his wife Jan, of Lusby MD; and Amy L. Kleponis, of Laurel MD. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Jessica, Steven, Jake, Crystal, Jennifer, Ryan, and Julia. He was preceded in death by his sisters, Louise Kwiatkowski, Mary Kleponis, Helen Williams, Agnes Bachert, and his brother, Albert Kleponis.
A Memorial Mass will be held 11:00 AM, Friday, May 18, 2018 at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, 25 West High Street, Gettysburg PA with family friend, Fr. Gary Studniewski, Celebrant. Family will receive friends starting at 10:00 AM that Friday morning at the Church. Burial will be at Arlington National Cemetery at a date to be determined. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, 2595 Interstate Drive, Suite 100, Harrisburg PA 17110, www.alz.org.
Online condolences may be made at monahanfuneralhome.com.
Previous Events
Visitation
18
May
25 West High Street
Gettyburg, PA 17325
Service
18
May
25 West High Street
Gettyburg, PA 17325
Cemetery Details
Location
Memorial Ave.
Arlington, VA 22211
