On January 18th 2017, the lives’ of one of our Crohn’s families was forever changed. It was on this day that John W. Kliamovich passed away suddenly. John was an amazing husband, father, great-grandfather, friend, and grandfather of nine, including Carter Wickersham, a six-year-old boy who suffers from Crohn’s disease. In the last four years of John’s life, he battled with COPD and struggled to break free from the anxiety and depression that plagued him. It was difficult for him to stay positive about his health, but one thing John was sure of was the strength of his grandson Carter. Because of his love and support of Carter through his procedures, treatments and doctor visits, his family decided to request donations to A Mother’s Wish in lieu of flowers in his obituary. John’s amazing friends and family helped raise $1,000 in his memory and in honor of Carter. Besides his family and friends, John had a great love of golf. At his funeral, this quote was read as a part of his eulogy, and I think he would have wanted to share this with all of you:
“As you walk down the fairway of life, you must smell the roses, for you only get to play one round.” –Ben Hogan
Below is John’s obituary:
John Walter Kliamovich passed away at his home in Royersford, Pennsylvania on Wednesday, January 18, 2017, at the age of 74. John is preceded in death by his parents, John and Mary Ann (Grzywacz), and his brothers, Lawrence and Robert. He is survived by his wife of 41 years, Mary Ann (Meoli) Kliamovich; his daughters, Christine Fry and her partner Dennis Vetter, Kathryn Kantzios and her husband Nick, Cynthia Viglione and her husband Robert, Heather Wickersham and her husband Jeff; and his son, John Kliamovich Jr. and his wife Kim; and his brother, Carl Kliamovich. John is lovingly remembered by his nine grandchildren, Justine Swika, Melissa Martin, Anna & Nikole Kantzios, Ronald Fry, Zachary & Kayla Kliamovich, Jackson & Carter Wickersham; and two great grandchildren, Peyton & Bailey Martin. John was a loyal employee of Selas Fluid Processing (formerly Thermal Research) for 54 years, where he had the opportunity to travel the world to supervise the implementation of equipment engineered by his company. An avid golfer, he was a longtime member of Jeffersonville Golf Club and Linfield National Golf Course, where he formed many lasting friendships with his golfing buddies who lovingly referred to him as “Big John”. His Funeral Service will be held on Tuesday, January 24, 2017 at 10:30 AM from the Moore, Snear & Ruggiero Funeral Home, 224 West Main Street, Trappe, PA 19426. Friends may call on Monday evening, January 23 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM and on Tuesday morning from 9:30 AM to 10:30AM at the funeral home. Interment will take place in Limerick Garden of Memories. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to A Mother’s Wish Foundation in honor of John’s grandson, Carter, who suffers from Crohn’s Disease. Please send donations to amotherswishfoundation.org or PO Box 503, Media, PA 19063. Arrangements by Moore, Snear & Ruggiero of Conshohocken, East Norriton & Trappe. (610) 489-7900 www.msrfh.com