Obituaries

Walter J. Klepadlo

WALTER J. KLEPADLO, 91, of Weirton, WV, passed away Saturday February 18, 2023 at Allegheny General Hospital. The following morning, an obscure article in L’Osservatore Romano, Vatican City’s daily newspaper, reported that St. Peter is trying to locate three missing bottles of his prized lemon cello. Walter’s spirit continues in his new home in the manner he lived his life: with faith in his Lord, a streak of child-like mischievousness, and eagerness to celebrate a joyful event. God blessed Walter with a long life, good health, and a richness in friends and experiences. Born May 20, 1931 in the Puerto Rico district of the village of Dillonvale, OH, second son of the late Frank P. and Anna (Gawrych) Klepadlo. Dillonvale provided the youthful Walter a rich environment, surrounded by an immense extended family, bilingual pinochle games with his Grandmother Paulina as his partner, and the playgrounds of the railroad yard and Plumber Haine’s farm. The local St. Adalbert Catholic Church instructed his catechism and laid the foundation for his faith. At Dillonvale High School, Walter excelled in athletics: quarterbacking the football team on offense and playing linebacker on defense, and also earning varsity letters in basketball and baseball; graduated in the Class of 1950. After graduation, Walter began working at Weirton Steel. Soon, the Korean Conflict intervened. He answered his Country’s call to service, becoming a paratrooper in the Army’s 82nd Airborne. He completed over 50 jumps and, after his last jump, never would fly in an airplane again. He returned to Weirton after his service and worked in the Tin Mill for 35+ years. His crew on the skin mill set production records never exceeded by any other crew. On June 16, 1956, he married Mary Margaret Bartock. Their marriage celebrated 66 anniversaries. Walter and Mary Margaret raised two sons, Frank S. Klepadlo (Kelly) of Virginia Beach, VA, and Walter Robert Klepadlo of Carlsbad, CA. Walter’s favorite boast was to state that he raised two sons that were bigger, better, and smarter than him. The family were members of Sacred Heart of Mary Church. Walter was a member of the Knights of Columbus for over 60 years. Year after year, worked as a volunteer at the church’s annual Polish Fest picnics and Lenten Fish Fries. Tapped by family and friends, he was a godfather to Cindy Pavlovic, David Bartock, Gregory Bartock, Carol Pulver, John Waltz, and Spencer Anderson. In the broader community, he served as a Little League Coach and helped Bill Miller hew out the Little League Field at its current King’s Creek location. Over his many years, he was a member of several civic organizations and was currently an active member of the Weirton Three Score club and the Weirton-Steubenville Funseekers organization. Walter is also preceded in death by his father and mother, sister, Anne Klepadlo Koper Arnold and a brother he never knew in life, Frank Klepadlo, who passed at the age of three, before Walter’s birth. Walter is survived by his loving wife of 66 years, Mary Margaret Bartock Klepadlo; his two sons; grandsons, Jared, Frankie and John; and Jared’s son, Conner. Visitation will take place Friday February 24, from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. at Steel and Wolfe Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Inc., Weirton. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place Saturday, February 25, 2023, at 10 a.m., at Sacred Heart of Mary Catholic Church, Weirton with Reverend Tony Thurston presiding. Military honors will be rendered by American Legion Post No. 10 Honor Guard immediately following the funeral mass. Interment will follow at Highland Cemetery, Mount Pleasant, OH. Condolences may be left at www.steelandwolfe.com.