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Obituary for Arnold Richard "Arky" Klappas

Arnold Richard "Arky"  Klappas
Arnold Richard Klappas, known as “Arky”, passed away peacefully at his home in Nanuet, New York on July 10, 2020. He was 81.

Arky was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania in 1938 to Sue Athey and John Klappas. An only child, he was raised in Pittsburgh, and except for a one-year stint in Florida in his teens, remained there until he graduated from West View High School in 1956. He attended Union College where he pursued a dual degree, graduating in 1961 with a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering.

Upon graduating from college, he kicked off an extensive career with AT&T in the Global Manufacturing and Engineering Division, which lasted until he retired in 1996 as Director of Environment and Safety Operations. During his thirty-five years with the company, he worked in AT&T offices throughout the Northeast, living in Pittsburgh, Albany, New Haven, New York City, White Plains, and Bedminster.

Arky was married to Marguerite “Maggie” Schlag in 1962 and they had two children, Pam and Julie. The couple divorced in 1988.

He was the most devoted father and grandfather any family could ask for, the kind of dad who sat front and center at every game and school performance. There was no one better to have in the audience, especially when one of his children or grandchildren was on stage or on the field. With the heartiest laugh and the loudest applause, he never missed a cue.

Arky was a voracious reader, avid theater lover, daily devotee of the New York Times crossword, armchair sports enthusiast, and consummate napper. He brought a sense of order to everything he did. He had impeccable handwriting, an immaculate car, and was so punctual that if he wasn’t ten minutes early, he was late. He also had a soft spot for dogs, the Yankees, the game of golf, and the UConn Women’s basketball team.

He had a stable of favorite phrases (“Arky-isms”) his friends and family would hear often. When asked how he was doing, his upbeat reply was always “not bad for an old man!” He’d say you’re “busier than a one-armed paper hanger”. And at 5pm every day, “the flag is up!” signaled it’s time for a cocktail.

Anyone who knew Arky understood he was allergic to funerals. His request was to be cremated, with no memorial service, but if we “wanted to spread his ashes in the south of France, he wouldn’t mind.”

He was unendingly proud of his daughters, sons-in-law, and grandchildren, and is survived by his children, Pam Pariseau and Julie Klappas, their husbands, Kevin Pariseau and John Jamilkowski, and three grandchildren, Nicolas, Kate and Tucker.
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