This afternoon, “06880” honored the life of Jack Klinge with a special story.
His family offers this obituary.
John Gorman “Jack” Klinge Sr. died peacefully this morning, surrounded by his family. He was 87.
Jack Klinge
A gifted student and lifelong learner, Jack graduated from Cornell University with a degree in chemical engineering.
He served as a commissioned officer in the Navy aboard the USS Thetis Bay during the Cuban Missile Crisis. Following his military service, he earned an MBA from Harvard Business School.
Jack enjoyed a distinguished career in marketing, including leadership roles with General Foods, Arm & Hammer, Topps Chewing Gum Company and Score Baseball Cards. He combined creativity, strategic thinking, and a love of sports throughout his professional life.
Jack Klinge and his wife Jeanne.
While his professional accomplishments were many, Jack’s greatest impact was felt in the community he loved. A resident of Westport for more than 50 years, he devoted countless hours to public service and civic engagement.
He coached youth baseball and softball for many years, mentored students, served as a substitute teacher, and became the longest-serving member of Westport’s Representative Town Meeting. He was deeply involved in the development and growth of the Westport Center for Senior Activities, helping create a lasting resource that continues to enrich the lives of older residents.
Jack believed strongly in giving back. Whether delivering holiday meals to homebound seniors, mentoring young people, advocating for thoughtful public policy, or volunteering his time wherever it was needed, he approached every endeavor with integrity, humility, and optimism.
Jack Klinge at the Senior Center with former and current directors Sue Pfister (left) and Wendy Petty.
Above all else, Jack cherished his family. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, mentor and friend. His kindness, wisdom, humor, and unwavering support shaped the lives of those who knew him.
Jack’s legacy lives on through the family he loved, the community he served, and the countless lives he touched through his generosity and leadership.
He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Jeanne Bange Klinge; son John Gorman Klinge, Jr. of Lake Forest, Illinois; daughter, Courtney Klinge of San Francisco, California and her husband, Eric Prosnitz; son Jeff Klinge of Rumson, New Jersey and his wife, Stacey Klinge, and grandchildren Cassie Longo, John Gorman “Jack” Klinge III, and Will Klinge; Paulina, Eliana, and Alexa Prosnitz; and Logan and Davis Klinge.
Family and friends are invited to attend services at St. Luke Church this Friday (June 12, 12:30 p.m.).
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Westport Center for Senior Activities (21 Imperial Avenue, Westport, CT 06880).
We moved to Westport in the summer of 1993. I distinctly remember a gentleman walking down our driveway sometime that fall, with his hand extended, saying hello I’m Jack Klinge. I’m running for the RTM in this district and I hope you will support me. Having just come from New York City, we had no idea what the “ RTM“ was! But he was so friendly and sincere, I’m pretty sure I voted for him. And I know I voted for him in every election he ran in since!
God rest Jack and God bless his family. Jack was a gift from God to Westport. Jack was there through my kids baseball softball and all those sports. I enjoyed working with Jack on town issues throughout his life.
Needless to say Jack will be missed God rest Jack. We all love you