Obituary of Thomas J. Klemp

 

Massena - Thomas J. Klemp, 64, passed away at his home on Wednesday, May 9, 2018. Arrangements are entrusted to Hammill Funeral Home in Winthrop. 

 

Tom was born in Muskegon, Michigan on April 21, 1954 to the late Theodore and Mary (Ouwerkerk) Klemp. He graduated from Mona Shores High School, and later attended Michigan Technological University, earning his bachelor's in Metallurgical Engineering in 1977. He worked for Alcoa in Davenport, Iowa and later Massena, NY where he helped to develop a number of new aluminum alloys, for which he received several patents. He traveled throughout the United States and the world during his lifetime for both business and pleasure, including Brazil, South Korea, Hungary, as well as many tropical islands.

 

Growing up on the water in Michigan endowed Tom with a love and appreciation for the beach and sailing. He also discovered a talent for photography and became a photographer for his high school year book. He would carry on this tradition as the family photographer, as well as doing a great deal of nature photography.

 

Tom enjoyed various outdoor activities in the North Country, including climbing the High Peaks of the Adirondacks, sailing on the St. Lawrence River, as well as both downhill and cross-country skiing. He was an avid gardener, photographer, hiker, and cook, enjoyed reading novels and magazines, sunbathing, watching movies, listening to music, and traveling with his boys, and was a long-time member of the Lake St. Lawrence Yacht Club.

 

He will be remembered for his humor, his intelligence, his passion for science, his mentoring skills, his delectable beef jerky, his giving of many interesting Christmas and birthday gifts, and the rebellious spirit he embodied in life. 

 

He is survived by 2 sons: Tyler and Ethan Klemp, and their mother Cheryl Klemp, all of Massena; a son Shane Vitateau of Cincinnati, OH.; siblings: Theodore and Marcia Klemp III of Spring Lake, MI., Mark and Janice Klemp of Laurium, MI., Mary and Michael Hintz of Mahtomedi, MN, many nieces and nephews, and several grandchildren. 

 

In keeping with Tom's wishes, there will be no services at this time. 

 

For those wishing to express an act of kindness, memorial contributions in Tom's honor may be made to a charity of one's choice. 

 

Memories and condolences may be shared with his family at www.hammillfh.com.