John J. ‘Jake’ Klockowski, 92, of Sherburne, passed away Friday December 23, 2016 at Chenango Memorial Hospital, Norwich with his family by his side. He was born January 11, 1924 in New York Mills a son of the late Michael and Mary Burdza Klockowski and graduated from Sherburne High School in class of 1942, where he excelled in sports. Jake received a football scholarship to Hartwick College. He played football and attended college for one year before having to leave for the workforce to support his family. He served in the US Army during WW II. Jake went on to play Semi-Pro Football and also played in the YMCA Basketball league and various summer softball teams. On November 26, 1955 in Sherburne he was united in marriage to the former Bertha Potter. She predeceased him on April 21, 2012. Jake was employed at the Norwich Shoe Factory for over 38 years until his retirement. He was an active member of St. Malachy’s Church and a member of the Sherburne American Legion Post # 876. He was an avid gardener and was NY Giants and Boston Red Sox fan and went to games at Fenway Park. He coached Little League and served as assistant coach for the Champion Sherburne Baseball team from 1971 - 1973; he also in past years volunteered his time to the Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts Pack 66; he also assisted with many local activities including Sherburne’s 150 year celebration.
Surviving are his children John M. and Mary Klockowski of Norwich; Lawrence J. and Judy Klockowski of Whitesboro; a sister Jeanette Decker of New Hartford; grandchildren, Logan Klockowski of Sherburne; Jake and Hannah Klockowski of Norwich; Also surviving are Logan’s mother and step father, Brenda and Brian Santmyer of Sherburne. He was predeceased by a daughter Joanna M. Klockowski on December 18, 1988 and several brothers and sisters.
A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Thursday, December 28, 2016 at 11 am from St. Malachy’s Church, Sherburne. Interment with Military honors will be held in the spring[DT1] at St. Malachy’s Cemetery. Friends are invited and may call on Wednesday from 4 to 7 pm at the Burgess & Tedesco Funeral Home 10 S. Main St., Sherburne.
Contributions in Jakes memory may be made to St. Malachy’s Church or the Chenango County SPCA.
To leave a condolence online or sign the book of memories go to: www.burgessandtedescofuneralhomes.com