These are the words I spoke at the funeral of my dad:  
 
Growing up I had always figured I’d be doing this some day, but I just never thought this would be the time or place.  The man we are all here to pay our respects to tonight was a man of many names.  To some he was The City Planner, to others the Chairman, Commissioner,   Board Member, CEO, Executive Director, Mayor, but to most of us, he was just “Bill.” 

If my Mom was infuriated with something my Dad had done or recognized that he was about to tell an inappropriate story, particularly with the grandkids around, she would wag her finger at him and call him “Wilbur”.  

To his family he was just “Dad” and then later “Honcho”. When Christa and I were first pregnant, we sat down with my folks one day and asked them what they wanted the new baby to call them:  Grandpa, Pop, Granddad… and without missing a beat my Dad blurted out “Honcho!”, and from that day on he was know to his family as “Honcho.”

Since you are all here tonight I think it is safe to say that you were aware of Honcho’s passion for helping others:

He helped friends move-   even into an upper floor apartment- but I am told that that friend was wise enough not to tell him that it was a walk up apartment in advance

To lent money to friends and helped former co-workers to find a new job.

He was known to change a flat tire for an anonymous stranger and then drive off into the distance like the Lone Ranger.

He selflessly gave years of time, effort and expertise as he lovingly poured himself into SCDC, CDC and the countless Boards and agencies he served on- all to help those less fortunate.

If that’s all Honcho had done in his life, he would have been considered a very special man, but there was more to him. Most of you probably don’t know that:
•He tried out for the New York Giants Baseball  team at the Polo Grounds as a 3rd baseman
•In college he was a sweater model- and there’s a picture in the back of the room to prove it
•He was also not what one would consider a stellar elementary school student. In fact, after doing  something inappropriate in grade school he was forced to serve detention under his teacher’s desk-  while the teacher conducted class from that same desk. Today child protective services would be called  in for such things.
•Years ago, while seated in the chair at some trendy hair salon, my Dad was talked into getting an afro.   As his co-workers recently reminded me, the color of his new hairdo was an unintended purple!   I am  still searching for the picture of that one.

On a more serious note, my father’s father died when Honcho was only 12 years old, leaving him the youngest, the only boy, with 4 sisters and his mother. With no real male role model in a house filled with 5 women, he was forced to figure out on his own how to be a man, a husband, and a father. I look at my own two boys now, and how proud I am of them and the decisions they have made.   I realize that they learned all these traits from me, and I recognize that I learned those same traits from watching my father, their Honcho. Where he learned them from I am not quite sure, but he surely got that lesson right, and he has planted the seed for two future generations of Klatsky men.
 
It has been said that some of the finest art in history has come from some of the most pained artists in history.  We all know our parents through our own eyes as children growing up. In an odd way the events of the past week have allowed me the very painful opportunity to paint a picture of Honcho through the eyes of all of you. Since last Wednesday I’ve made hundreds of phone calls to friends, family, co-workers, neighbors, and board members to inform all of you of the sudden and unexpected passing of my Dad. It has not been at all easy, but you have shared funny stories, passed along words of praise, love and respect, so you have each added a little to my picture of who Bill Klatsky was, and the impact he has had on each of you and so many others.  
 
Just as Honcho did with his family, I would like to leave you all with a humorous thought on my Dad.
 
While Honcho was always willing to help others at the drop of a hat, he also had a pension for fixing things, some which he knew about and others… well.  Honcho viewed the printed direction for such tasks as assembling a piece of Ikea furniture, or wiring up a new computer or DVD player, as crutches for the less adventurous at heart amongst us. You see, Honcho truly believed in the healing and restorative powers of nails, glue, and duct tape. Whatever the problem, the combination of these three elements would cure anything. And with Honcho- the more the better.   If 2 small finishing nails would do the job, then 8, 10 penny, hot dipped, galvanized, framing nails would do the job that much better.
 
Wherever you are, Dad, I want you to know that I love you very much.

Our warmest thoughts are of Bill.  We enjoyed many holidays and special occasions with Adelaide and Bill.

There was always laughter, love, and great conversation when we got together.

We will miss you, Bill, and will remember you and love you always.

Love, Nora and Walter

Dear Klatsky Family
I was so sad to hear of Mr. Klatsky's passing.  I have some wonderful memories in my mind from many years ago.  My heart, mind and thoughts are with you all.

On our last Christmas Eve together, my grandfather played “A Child’s Christmas in Wales” while we all sat cozily in the living room. Dylan Thomas’ last words were, “I’ve had eighteen straight whiskies, I think that’s a record.” My grandfather, an avid history buff, would have appreciated that, on his death bed, John Adams alleged, “Thomas Jefferson still survives,” although Jefferson had died earlier the same day. I guess all this is to say that I’ve always had a decidedly macabre interest in last words. For his part, Bill Klatsky spoke, “no peeking.”

Before the surgery, a small, rosy-cheeked young doctor walked into Honcho’s hospital room. After she squeaked out a few questions, Honcho asked “How old are you? You look like you’re sixteen.” In all fairness, she did. “I’m 28,” she replied. He meant it, no doubt, as a compliment, a flirtation. The last image I have of Honcho will always be the one of this rosy-cheeked miniature doc. wheeling away the oversized gurney from which Honcho waved his perennial peace salute. The line between comedy and tragedy is unnervingly thin. 

The next morning, we sat with Honcho as his energy waned, holding his hand and telling him how very loved he was. My mother was telling a story of Honcho’s infamous but innocent flirtatiousness when the mini-doctor rounded the corner. Recognizing the situation, she walked directly towards us, and her red face became— I thought it impossible— redder. It was not long before she was crying too.

“She knows!” my mother exclaimed, “she knows about Bill’s way with the ladies!” “It’s true,” the nurse said through the tears. “While we were dressing him for surgery, putting on the hospital gown, he looked at me, crossed his hands where the gown splits and said, no peeking!” And with that, Honcho made us laugh once again.  

That was our Honcho. To the very last he was cracking jokes, making men and women alike smile in that charming way that spared not even my own girlfriend. That nurse will never forget Honcho or his caring energy. In his life, Honcho touched many people in that same way, made many people smile, and spread a great deal of love. Even for those who knew him only briefly, he was a great source of inspiration— viewing the glass as not only half full but eternally brimming. Honcho, we will all miss you but remember that you live on in our hearts and our memories. When we love, when we laugh, and whenever we flirt, you’ll be with us.

Dear Mrs. Klatsky and family,
I was very saddened to learn of Bill's passing. We first met about twenty years ago. I was then, and continue to be in admiration of Bill's dedication to providing adequate housing accomodations for those less  fortunate than the majority of our citizens on Long Island. I know of no one better suited to organize all aspects of the Housing Industry and its financial needs. It was especially heartening to observe how much he cared for the less fortubate and how unselfish he was in this regard. I pray that he will rest in peace and that you and his family are comforted in knowing how loved and respected he was.
         Sincerely,  George Farrell

Dear Mrs. Klatsky, Scott, Neil, wives, sons and daughter. 
Please feel my closest company at this especial moment of life. I share with all of you your deep feelings. He always welcomed me. I have learned from him. And I know he's at peace. I was fortunate to see him again after all these years. He'll always be in my heart. All my family share  these feelings and send their condolences. 
JosÃ©

Dear Adelaide and Family,
All of us at the Child Care Council of Nassau are so very saddened to learn of Bill's passing.  In addition to being a dedicated Board member for the past five years Bill has been a dear friend to the Council and the field of child care for many many years.  He will be sorely missed by all.  Jan Barbieri, Staff and Board of the Child Care Council of Nassau

My dearest Adelaide and family...My the love that you have shared all these years keep you warm in heart.  I am truly blessed to have known such a man as a child and now adult.  His love was true and with no questions.  I shall always remember his love towards me.  With my deepest love and sympathy  Rose.

It is with gratitude that I thank Bill for 1st getting me into local politics by calling me those 7 years ago and suggesting I run for Trustee of the Village of Shoreham and for supporting my candidacy.  These past 7 years it has been a pleasure working alongside someone who was so dedicated and selfless in leading Shoreham Village.  He was never timid about confronting controversial subjects if he felt they were important and we didn't always see eye-to-eye.  Yet always Bill was sincerely intersted in my opinion and treated me with regard and respect, and we always ultimately came to a resolution that was good for the Village.  Mimi and I will always be grateful to Bill and Adelaide for their kindness in looking in on us when we were both recently ill and giving us a delicious and therapeutic carafe' of Glogg for the holidays to get us better-- it worked!  Bill was a real class act and did so much for people in need, for all the causes and charities he believed in, and he was a stalwart supporter of our community through the years.  He will be dearly missed but will always be an inspiration to us to take up community service, charitable giving and volunteering.  Mimi and I send our deepest sympathy and best wishes to Adelaide and the Klatsky family in this difficult time.

Our hearts go out to you, Adelaide, and the entire wonderful Klatsky clan. I will miss sharing a good conversation and a good laugh with Bill, and smoking a good cigar with him. But most of all, I will miss his beautiful "voice." I can still hear it in my head now -- unique, strong, smart, and reassuring. That is how I'd like to remember him.

My condolences to Mr. Klatsky's family and friends.  I called him "Mr. Bill" when I worked for him at CDC.  As busy as he was, he always took the time to ask "how are you today?" and genuinely cared about the answer.  His presence here, made a difference

I joined the Bill and Adelaide party a few years ago and immediately fell in love. Thanksgiving in August was an event I made darn sure we'd make. Bill always made me laugh, always awed me with his sharp mind, and always gave the best hugs. He made me, and everyone, feel special. We are heartbroken, and we send our love.

please accept sincere sympathy for the sudden death of bill. i enjoyed many years of working with him for the good of wshu and appreciated all his years of service above and beyond what many are willing to do. nomi solo

Dearest Adelaide, Bill,and Family,

Bill, you are in great company now, and please say hello to my dad, Jim Lee. I am sure he is already laughing, with your arrival. I'm not at all religious, but I have to believe that beautiful souls such as yours and my dads, come together after this life, to share their stories, laughter, and love,  as they wait for more loved ones to come to the after(life) party. 
Adelaide, please find comfort in that you now will finish up the details of your life , passing along the pearls of wisdom to your kids, and soon will join Bill, Jim, and all those that passed before you. You can trust in the children to carry the torch here on earth while you travel the heavens, and send us a few more tips along your way.  
Peace be with you all,

Virginia, Steven and the Bateman Boys

On behalf of my mother Virginia Lee, her heart is broken. She mourns the loss of one of her dearest friends and is worried about her dear friend left behind. She will reach out when she can.

Goodbye to a good friend and mentor, you will be sorely missed, Therese Keelan  from Coventry Manor.

Sincerest condolences. 

Nomi and Dick Solo. 
Port Jefferson, NY

A true loss. He will be missed.
Ray Calabrese, LI Friends of WSHU

Bill, A PLANNER BY PROFESSION, was always a good friend and great associate. He will be missed by all.

We are so sorry for your loss.  Our  prayers are with you all. You will have wonderful memories to fill your thoughts throughout the years.

We were very, very sorry to hear of your loss!  One can only hope he is in absolute peace.  We are thinking of you! 
Brad & Sally Pine

My heart goes out to everyone in this wonderful family. How Andy and I both LOVED spending Christmas with Bill and Adelaide at Scott and Christa's. We only wish there were more of them. I will always think of Bill's wit and intellect, his warmth, his caring and connection to society, his knowledge, his delight in his grandchildren. And how he made us laugh. And think. Scott, Christa, Adelaide, Brett and Bryce, Neil, Traci and Maya, our love is with you.

My thoughts and prayers are with the whole Klatsky family.  I was so sad to hear about the passing of Mr. Klatsky.  He was a wonderful inspiring man that many many people are lucky to have known.

I was five years younger than Bill when he, Tom Morrissey, Paddy Fitzmaurice and I spent many hours together in our home town of Tottenville, Staten Island discussing politics, world events, local issues and almost any topic you can think of  Although I have not seen Bill for very many years I have fond memories of those days and of his family, expecially his sisters, Libby and Faye, and, of course, his mom.  Rest in peace, from an old friend, Jack Burke

My sincere condolences for Bill's passing.  I will always remember him as a "big brother" figure.  He was compassionate, smart, and funny, and I will think him fondly, always.

To Bill,

May you rest in peace, you were a wonderful man and boss to work for.  Your concern for my mother and myself was beyond words can say, and when I was down you helped me back up.  You will be missed, but never forgotten.  Say hello to my mom....

OBITUARY

Wilbur "Bill" Klatsky

27 October, 1931 – 16 March, 2011

O.B. Davis Funeral Homes - Miller Place

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