George F. Klein

George F. Klein of Randolph, Ohio, passed away at his home on October 13th. He was 98. 

George was born on December 16, 1925 to William and Louisa Klein. He was a lifelong member of St. Joseph's parish, graduating from St. Joseph School in 1940 before moving on to Randolph High School. He was very close to his brothers and sisters, who helped raise him after the death of his mother in 1926 and his father in 1938. George was a fond uncle to his nieces and nephews, playing with them on the family farm, dressing up as Santa Claus, and teaching many of them to drive. After serving in the Army in Texas and Maryland, he returned home to Ohio to serve in the National Guard and begin a trucking business. In that role, George helped build many of the first highways in the state; as a result, he knew how to get just about anywhere without a map, and would gladly tell you the quickest, safest, or best route, depending upon your preference. It also gave him the opportunity to work with his brother Ralph and nephew Tim, which he greatly enjoyed. After closing his business, George worked for many years for East Manufacturing, delivering trailers all along the East Coast. 

George met and married Grace Jones of Suffield in 1962 and became a father to her five children. He and Grace added two more children to the family and were married for sixty years. During that time, George was a faithful companion and caregiver to Grace. He was skilled with machines and could fix nearly anything, from tinkering with a mower to restoring a 1925 Mack truck. He loved traveling to visit his relatives, vacationing with Grace in Hilton Head, and taking his grandkids for rides on the tractor. He also enjoyed visiting friends, having breakfast at Bob's on Saturdays, and reminiscing about the area. Having spent a lifetime in the community, George had an extraordinary memory of the local people and places. 

George will be remembered for his unwavering care for his family, especially Grace. His quiet devotion and constancy inspired much love from his nieces, nephews, and children. 

George was preceded in death by his loving wife Grace, as well as his parents and siblings. He is survived by his children Matthew (Paula) Jones of Travelers Rest, SC, Kathleen Jones of Hartville, OH, Joy (Kenny) Gerhartinger of Rootstown, OH, Michael Jones of North Canton, OH, Mary (Sean) Kelly of New Wilmington, PA, Patricia (John) Crum of Wooster, OH, Joan (Tom) Godfrey of Lexington, VA, and many grandchildren, great grandchildren, and nieces and nephews. 

In lieu of flowers, George requested friends consider a donation to St. Joseph School, 2617 Waterloo Rd, Mogadore, OH 44260 (https://www.stjosephschoolrandolph.org/support-sjs). 

Friends and family will be received Friday October 18 from 1 to 2 pm at St Joseph Catholic Church, 2643 Waterloo Rd, Mogadore, Ohio 44260. A Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 2 pm with Father Kevin Bertleff presiding. Burial will be at St Joseph Cemetery and a reception with light refreshments will follow at St Peter of the Fields Church Hall, 3487 Old Forge Rd, Rootstown, Ohio 44272.