PERMANENT DEACON GEORGE W. KLETZEL
1949 – 2018
Deacon George W. Kletzel, age 68, died on Sunday, March 11, 2018, at home, as a result of complications related to diabetes. Deacon Kletzel is the brother of Reverend Thomas Kletzel, pastor of Saint Malachy Parish, Philadelphia.
Deacon Kletzel was born on November 14, 1949, to the late George W. Kletzel, Sr., and the late Frances Kletzel (nee Davelli). He was raised in Saint Mary of the Assumption Parish, located in the Manayunk section of Philadelphia. Deacon Kletzel spent approximately 42 years teaching in the Archdiocesan school system, most of that time teaching and serving as the school minister at the high school level. Deacon Kletzel was a graduate of Roman Catholic High School, and he held a BA in English from LaSalle University and an MA in Theology from Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary.
Deacon Kletzel was ordained on June 6, 2004, at the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul, Philadelphia, by His Eminence, Cardinal Justin Rigali. Following ordination, he was assigned to Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish, Philadelphia, where he remained ever since.
Deacon Kletzel was married to the former Patricia Cleveland for over 45 years. They have six adult children: Kristen Hindley (Al), George III (Shannon), Karoline Roselle (Kevin), Katie Rizzo (Matt), Kurt (Megan), and Klaire Salvo (Michael). Deacon Kletzel also had 11 grandchildren, with a twelfth grandchild on the way. Deacon Kletzel is also survived by two brothers, Reverend Thomas P. Kletzel, and Paul; and, a sister, Mary Ann Miller.
The Reception of the Body will take place at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, 819 Cathedral Road, Philadelphia, on Sunday, March 18, 2018, at 4:30 PM. A viewing will follow until 7:00 PM. A second viewing will be held on Monday, March 19, 2018, from 9:00 AM until 10:45 AM. The Funeral Mass will follow at 11:00 AM. The principal celebrant will be Most Reverend Charles J. Chaput, O.F.M., Cap. The homilist will be Deacon Charles R. Amen. Deacon of the Mass is Deacon Salvatore R. Bianco. Deacon Chaplains Deacon Charles R. Amen and Deacon William T. Baxter.
Concelebrants will include: Reverend Edward J. Casey; Reverend Thomas P. Kletzel; Reverend Armand D. Garcia; Reverend Samuel A. Verruni; Reverend Monsignor Charles P. Vance; Reverend Anthony R. Hangholt; Reverend Francis J. Sabatini; and Reverend Michael S. Olivere.