Thomas M. Kleban

Thomas M. Kleban of Richland Twp. passed away on March 23, 2021at Conemaugh Memorial Hospital in Johnstown.Thomas Kleban was born in Windber on September 23, 1941, the son of the late George Sr.and Helen (Toth) Kleban. He was a 1962 graduate of Richland High School and attended Cambria-Rowe Business College. He retired in 1995 from the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown campus where he served as administrative support in the registrar’s office.In his role at UPJ, Tom was most proud of the assistance that he offered to student-veterans. After overcoming incredible challenges at birth, Tom had an idyllic childhood on the family farm on Scalp Avenue. As a child, he helped sell corn, apples and eggs from their farm stand. Some of his fondest memories were of fishing trips with his father and vacations with the whole family.Tom was his brother George’s biggest fan and celebrated George’s graduation from dental school as if it were his own.He was a very enthusiastic UPJ sports fan.For many years,Tom was part of the morning work out group with UPJ wrestling coach Pat Pecora and others. Tom was extremely proud of his nieces and nephews, and his great-nieces and great-nephews. Uncle Tom, as he was fondly known to family and friends, made a point of pulling each one of the kids aside at family gatherings to ask how they were doing and to slip them some money. He enjoyed Penn State football, the famous Kleban tailgates at Beaver Stadium, watching the Pittsburgh Steelers and following the Pittsburgh Pirates.Tom was a member of St. Benedict’s parish in Johnstown where he served for many years as an Usher and was devoted to his faith.He would offer to help with collections in any town or city where he attended Mass.Tom is survived by his sister-in law Elizabeth Kleban of Boalsburg. He is also survived by his nieces and nephews,Patty (Bill) Klaus of Cincinnati OH; George (Patty) Kleban of Port Matilda; Richard (Debbie) Kleban of Atlanta GA; Carolyn (Scott) Fry of State College; and, Thomas A.Kleban of Boalsburg. He is survived by 11 great nieces and great nephews and by a new great-great nephew. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his brother Dr. George R. Kleban. The family wishes to thank neighbors Trevor and Polly Smith and Denny and Sue Wissinger for their kindness as well as the staff at Arbutus Manor and the caregivers at Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center. Family will receive friends from 6 to 8:00 p.m. Friday, March 26th. at Meek & Dalla Valle Funeral Home, Windber, where vigil service will be held. Funeral mass will be celebrated 1:00 p.m. Saturday, March 27th. at St. Benedict Catholic Church, Geistown, Fr. David Peles. Committal St. Mary's Byzantine Cemetery, Windber.  In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown Athletic Department at UPJ Athletics, 450 Schoolhouse Road, Johnstown PA 15904 and write Tom Kleban in the memo.

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