Obituary of Theodore H. Klotz, Jr.

Theodore H. Klotz, Jr., 85, passed away peacefully in the presence of his family on May 11, 2016. Born in Albany, he was the son of the late Theodore H. Klotz, Sr. and Florence Schaffner Klotz. Ted graduated from Albany High School in 1948. He went on to graduate from Union College with a Bachelor’s in Electrical Engineering in 1952, followed by a Master’s Degree in Computer Science in 1981. After graduating from Union College, Ted joined General Electric as an Electrical Engineer, a position he held until retirement in 1992. While at GE, Ted was assigned to numerous projects that included space travel telemetry and life support, developing computer technologies and train locomotives. On April 3rd, 1954 he married his sweetheart, Patricia Ann Stewart Klotz, at Glens Falls Presbyterian Church. Ted was a very family-orientated man who enjoyed camping, Cape Cod and travelling cross-country to National Parks with them. An avid astronomer and committed do-it-yourselfer, he read volumes of scientific and non-fiction books. As a result, Ted possessed an encyclopedic knowledge of a vast array of topics that he willingly shared with anyone interested or in need. One of Ted’s greatest passions was music. In his early years, he worked for a local radio station in Albany as a broadcast engineer and he was an amateur ham radio operator. His love of music continued throughout his life. He enjoyed classical music, orchestral music, musical theater and never missed attending the ballet and orchestra every year at SPAC with his wife, Patricia. Ted was a life-long choir member and devoted member of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church having served several terms as congregation president. He was a member of the General Electrical Chorus and the Clifton Park Community Orchestra. Ted also had an appreciation for fishing and photography. Theodore is survived by his children Deborah (Thomas) Savoy of Charlotte, NC, Rev. Peter Klotz Sr. of Malta, NY, Cathy (Alfredo) Cardillo of Guilderland, NY, Elizabeth (Allen) Kummu of Clifton Park, NY, James (Emily) Klotz of Schenectady, NY and Jane (Andrew) Bonichi of Rexford, NY; his 15 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren; his sister Marie Florence Marshman and many nieces and nephews also survive. In addition to his wife who passed away on January 28th, 2016, Ted was also predeceased by his brother-in-law Willard Marshman. Calling hours will be held on Monday, May 16th from 5pm to 7pm at the Glenville Funeral Home, 9 Glenridge Rd. Glenville. Funeral services for Theodore will be on Tuesday, May 17th at 10am at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 547 Saratoga Rd, Glenville, NY 12302 with Rev. Deron J. Milleville officiating. Interment will take place privately for the family at Graceland Cemetery, Albany. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 547 Saratoga Rd., Glenville, NY 12302.