Obituary of Kenneth R. Klingele

Kenneth R. “Ken” Klingele, age 75, passed away peacefully on October 29, 2023. A lifelong Staten Islander, Kenneth was born and raised in Stapleton and resided in Westerleigh for the last 40 years. Kenneth was the beloved son of the late Albert Sr. and Lillian (Walz) Klingele, brother to Albert Jr. (Barbara) and the late Edward (Rosemarie) Klingele, and cousin to Carol Rooney. He was a graduate of Curtis High School and attended the College of Staten Island. Kenneth was a U.S. Army Veteran, who served in the 25th Infantry. He was the recipient of a Purple Heart and Bronze Star, while assigned in Vietnam (1968–1969). After his discharge from the Army, Kenneth was employed as a letter carrier with the U.S. Postal Service. He then went on to work for the MTA New York City Transit, where he retired after 20 years as a Subway Surface Supervisor. Kenneth dedicated his time to service. He was a devoted volunteer with Meals on Wheels for 16 years and was awarded The President’s Volunteer Service Award in 2011. Kenneth also served his fellow Veterans through participation in military associations. He was a member of the American Legion Gold Star Post, the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2159, and the Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 421. In his free time, Kenneth enjoyed traveling the country with family and friends, including many exciting trips to Atlantic City, N.J. He was an avid sports fan, with his favorite being NASCAR. Kenneth is survived by his wife of 51 years, Elizabeth (Mazzaraco) and his daughters, Karen Klingele (Jacob Alldredge), Laurie Klingele, and Theresa Umana (Rafael). He was a loving Poppa to Lillian and Maxwell Alldredge and Grayson and Wyatt Umana, as well as a dear uncle to many nieces and nephews. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in honor of his memory to: Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 421 PO Box 100097 Staten Island, NY 10310 Family and Friends may visit Matthew Funeral Home on Thursday November 2, 2023 from 6-9 PM and Friday November 3, 2023 from 2-4 PM and 7-9 PM. A funeral mass will be celebrated at Trinity Lutheran Church on Staten Island at 9:45 AM. Burial will follow at Moravian Cemetery.