Stewart Louis Klabenesh, who was affectionately known as “Butch” to his friends passed away in Gig Harbor, Washington on December 21, 2016. Born in Montclair on October 6, 1964, he grew up in Verona and graduated from Verona High School in 1982.
Stewart served for more than 21 years in the United States Air Force throughout the world, eventually retiring as a transportation specialist for Military Transport. After he retired he continued his service to his country, working with the Logistics Readiness Squadron, out of McChord AFB.
Stewart looked on the soldiers and other civil servants that he worked with as “His Boys and Girls”, a friend and mentor, you couldn’t help but love the man. He would always give you his opinion or advice, no matter how rough the words, you knew that it was what you needed to hear and that it came from love.
Always there for his family and friends, he would travel far and wide to perform weddings, spend time with several generations of close friends and family, or just be there for a talk. He would call his mother on his way to work to tell her he loved her and discuss how he expected his day to go.
Stewart “Butch” Klabenesh is survived by his beloved wife Rita, daughters Zoe of Gig Harbor, Wash., Marissa Klabenesh of Puyallup, Wash., Sarah Day of Port Orchard, Wash., and Karrie Palmer of Newnan, Ga. and cherished granddaughter Reagan of Puyallup. He is also survived by his mother Ruby Klabenesh of Verona, six brothers and sisters and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
He would describe himself as “Just A Truck Driver”, but he was much more than that…a Husband, a Son, a Dad, a Granddad, a Brother, an Uncle, a Cousin, a Neighbor, but most of all…a Friend.
A Memorial Service will be held Sunday, February 12th at The First Presbyterian Church of Verona, 10 Fairview Avenue, Verona, NJ 07044, beginning at 4:00pm. All are welcome to attend.
Memorial donations to the college fund of his daughter, Zoe, would be greatly appreciated by his family. Donation forms and envelopes to the John Hancock Freedom 529 will be available at the memorial service.
