Obituary of Thomas J. Kleso

Thomas James Kleso, 87, of Morris Plains, NJ, passed away at his home on April 8, 2020 after a brief illness. Born in Passaic, NJ, Thomas lived in Morris Plains for the past 50 years. Before his retirement, Thomas was a Police Officer in Greystone, NJ for 25 years. Thomas proudly served his country as a Corporal E-4 in the Army, serving during the Korean War. He was also a Purple Heart Recipient. Thomas was a parishioner of St. Virgil’s Church in Morris Plains. He was also a member of the Watnong V.F.W. #3401 and Disabled American Veteran’s (DAV). Thomas is survived by his loving wife, Ellen Twohig (3 years), devoted children, Mavis Kleso, Stephanie Kleso and Kathleen (Donnelly) Kleso, his brother-in-law, Keith Harrison, and his adoring grandchildren, Erin Knoerzer, Kristen Godney and Jamie Christensen. Thomas is also survived by his cherished great-grandchildren, Kaylin, Mathew, Sydnie and Keira, and beloved half-siblings, Andrea Feinstein, and John Kleso, and caring nieces and nephews, Sue Avery, Ian Harrison, Danielle Feinstein and David Feinstein, and his dear friend Jeanne Tirado. Thomas is predeceased by his wife, Mavis (Harrison) Kleso (44 years), his son, Stephen Kleso, and his brother, Stephen Kleso. The Kleso family is concerned about the well-being of those they love and care about. A private burial will take place at Holy Rood Cemetery in Morris Township, NJ for immediate family only. We ask that you please keep Thomas's family in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. A Memorial Service will be held at a later date. Donations in Thomas’s memory may be made to Watnong V.F.W. #3401, 45 Tabor Road, Morris Plains, NJ 07950 or Disabled American Veteran’s (DAV), P.O. Box 14301 Cincinnati, OH 45250-0301, or online at www.dav.org