WEST BOYLSTON-John Klar, a lifelong resident of West Boylston, MA died August 9, surrounded by his loving family. John’s passionate pursuit of a “practical factor” for all things spanned a lifetime of creativity and ingenuity. Selling kites as a young boy and playing trumpet in the Johnny K. Swing Band are highlights of an active childhood spent in West Boylston during the Depression. His interest in all things technical led him to begin a lifelong passion as a ham radio operator while a student in North High School’s, Class of 1937. John combined his technical expertise with a strong commitment to community and country by declining a deferral and electing to serve in World War II. His electrical expertise allowed him to serve in the U.S. Navy, as an instructor of communication specialists in Corpus Christi, Texas.
Arriving back home from the war effort, John returned to the Heald Machine Company, starting out as a helping hand to draftsmen and eventually retiring in 1982 as chief electrical engineer. While working at Heald, John purchased the first television in West Boylston, which led him to start a television supply and repair business. Continuing his interest in all things electrical, John built an electric car in the mid 1970s and kept pace with the changing communication technology throughout the rest of his life, remaking computers and gaining new ideas via the internet. As an inventor and creator, he held several patents. His commitment to community was exemplified with work and support for the West Boylston Historical Society. His devotion to providing for his family prompted a lifelong fascination and expertise in stock market investing, including membership in the Yankee Traders investment club.
John’s extraordinary sense of humor, Franklinesque practicality, and willingness to lend a helping hand will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. He is survived by his wife of 62 years Grace E. (Howe) of West Boylston. He is also survived by two sons, John W. and wife Joyce (Courneyer) Klar of Englewood, FL, Bradford R. and his wife Robin (Toft) of Princeton, MA; and two daughters, Diana E. (Klar) and husband James Williams of Loveland, CO, and Gretchen H. (Klar) and husband Marc Beaupre of Goshen, MA; nine adoring grandchildren, Robert E. Balmat, II of Novato, CA, Jason C. and Amanda J. Klar of Englewood, FL, Emilie H. Beaupre of Essex, VT, Heather E. Balmat and Samuel P.T. Klar of Brookline, MA Rachel G. Beaupre of Medford, MA, Peter H.T. Klar of Princeton, MA, Adrienne L. Beaupre of West Boylston, MA and one great grandchild Payton J. Klar of Englewood, FL. He is also survived by his sister Eleanor (Klar) Martin formerly of Shrewsbury, MA and now of Corvallis, OR, sister-in-law Barbara L. Harmon of Hudson, NH, nieces, nephews, and cousins. John is predeceased by his parents Marion (Harmon) and Harold B. Klar as well as his brother Robert H. Klar.
’Big’ John Klar stood all of 5’6” and was indeed a giant to all who ever came in contact with him, serving as a towering example of virtue, honor, and hard work. He was loved by all who knew him, and adored by those who knew him well.
A celebration of John’s life will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, August 12 at the First Congregational Church, West Boylston Street, West Boylston. Visiting hours will be held from 10:00 to 11:00 AM the morning of the funeral in the church. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations in John’s name be made to the West Boylston Historical Society, 65 Worcester Street, West Boylston, MA 01583, or the West Boylston Fire and Rescue Squad, 39 Worcester Street, West Boylston, MA 01583. FAY BROTHERS FUNERAL HOME, 1 West Boylston St., West Boylston is directing arrangements.