Joseph J. Klem died peacefully Nov. 2, 2022, at his home in Locust at the age of 95, surrounded by his loving family.
Joe, as he was known, was born March 30, 1927, in Hoboken. He grew up in Jersey City and Weehawken with his three siblings, Frances, John and his twin brother James. In 1944, Joe enlisted in the Navy at the age of 17 and served as a corpsman in San Diego. After World War II, Joe graduated from Seton Hall University and Fordham Law School. He worked as an attorney for Consolidated Edison for 30 years.
In 1964, he married the love of his life, Marjorie. Together, they raised their four children in their home in Hartshorne Woods.
An avid walker, Joe enjoyed walking nearly every day. He especially cherished his weekly walks through the hills of Hartshorne Woods with his brother Jimmy. He took pride in his love and knowledge of history and read voraciously. Joe read the entire New York Times daily and was always in the middle of a biography or book of nonfiction history.
Joe had an insatiable love for travel. After retiring, he spent much of the next 30 years traveling all over the world with Marjorie. Together, they visited all 50 states, every province in Canada, and 35 countries on five continents.
Joe was predeceased by his parents, Francis and Mary (Lavezzo) Klem, his sister Frances, and his brother John.
Joe was especially devoted to his family. He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Marjorie (Zahn) Klem; daughters, Caroline Hyde and Abigail Klem Spector; sons, Christopher and Michael; his twin brother James; and his adored grandchildren Megan, Allie, Julia, Jack, Olivia, Maisie, Sam, and Georgia.
Known for his quick wit and sly sense of humor, Joe kept his family laughing until the very end.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Covenant House (covenanthouse.org) in his honor.
The article originally appeared in the November 17 – 23, 2022 print edition of The Two River Times.
