Thomas Klempay 1932-2026

Born Aug. 16, 1932, in the Lansingville area of Youngstown, he was the son of the late Andrew G. Sr. and Anastasia Diersing Klempay.

Thomas attended St. Matthias grade school and graduated from Ursuline High School in 1951. It was during these years that he met his high school sweetheart, Dorothy (Dodie) Koker. They were married June 4, 1953, and shared a beautiful life together until her passing Sept. 16, 1977.

A man of many talents and a daring spirit, Thomas earned his private pilot’s license at just 16 years old. He flew numerous models of airplanes out of local airports and, along with his brothers, owned an Aeronca Chief. He famously delighted his classmates by buzzing Ursuline High School during flights and continued to share his love for the skies by taking family and friends for rides after his military service.

Thomas proudly served in the U.S. Army from 1953 to 1955. A graduate of the Quartermaster School at Fort Lee, Virginia, he served during the Korean War and participated in Operation Castle (Bravo) in the Marshall Islands, Pacific Theater. As an atomic war veteran, he witnessed the historic atomic and H-bomb explosions.

Professionally, Thomas was a co-owner and operator of Andrew Klempay and Sons House Moving Company and Skyline Land Company. His work involved moving houses and structures across Ohio, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Kentucky and Michigan. He was a respected member of the Ohio Movers and the International Association of Structural Movers.

Deeply involved in his community, Thomas was a member of Knights of Columbus 3930 and the YMCA, where he participated in water aerobics for over 30 years. He also gave back as a volunteer for hospice and St. Elizabeth Hospital.

Thomas was an avid reader, a traveler and a loyal fan of Pittsburgh sports. A gifted musician, he played both the violin and piano, finding great joy in classical music, especially the works of Mozart.

Above all, he cherished the time spent with his children and grandchildren. He is survived by his four children, Elaine Klempay of Canfield, Mary Jane (Wes) Beeson of Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida; Maureen (Bob) Estes of West Palm Beach, Florida, and Tom (Amy) Klempay II of New Hartford, New York. He also leaves behind four grandchildren, Alex Estes, Oscar (Gigi) Klempay, Maggie Beeson (Gibson) Pardue and Charlie Klempay.

Thomas was preceded in death by his siblings, James, Andrew, Eugene, Raymond, Edward “Butch” and Amelia Klempay; and Margaret DiBlasio.

Family and friends may pay their respects 10 to 11 a.m. Friday, July 17, 2026, at Higgins-Reardon Funeral Homes, Boardman-Canfield Chapel. A funeral service will follow at 11 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that donations be made to Rescue Mission of Mahoning Valley, 1300 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Youngstown, OH 44510; the Youngstown Symphony, 260 W. Federal St., Youngstown, OH 44503; or the YMCA (Central Main Campus), 17 N. Champion St., Youngstown, OH 44503.

(special notice)