John Francis Klaiber

Son of the late John (Gene) Klaiber and Margaret (Peggy) Klaiber, John was born and raised in the Maple Glen area of Greater Philadelphia, PA. After graduating from LaSalle College High School in 1980, John went on to Robertson’s Florist in Philadelphia; where in his many years of service he discovered his love for and perfected his talents in floral design.

John met his partner, Grady Dale Lee, while vacationing in Florida through a mutual friend October 3, 1998 and they fell immediately in love. A year to the day later they made a permanent commitment to each other and John left his beloved Philadelphia to begin his new life in Atlanta with Dale. Quickly becoming one of Atlanta’s most sought after floral and event designers, John was most recently working for Tony Brewer & Company in Atlanta. His touches on local events hosted in Atlanta, and in private settings throughout GA and the Southeast, were considered “top drawer” by clients.

In addition to adding beauty to area events in Atlanta, John also enjoyed creating beauty for his family and friends. Never would a personal occasion go unadorned without a breath-taking—and always sniff-inspiring!--floral flourish from John. In addition to his beautiful arrangements, John was also an excellent cook, and loved to create, cook for and serve his friends in the warm home he and Dale shared. John’s sweet smile, easy laugh, and gentle soul will be dearly missed by his family and friends.

His memory will be a lasting reminder to all who knew and loved him to do what you love, appreciate the simple pleasures of sharing good times with family and friends, and to be around dogs as much as possible. John is survived by his partner, Grady Dale Lee of Atlanta; his Mother, Margaret Klaiber (nee Clearkin), of Maple Glen, PA, his Sister Meg Axelson (nee Klaiber), of Ocean City, NJ; his Brothers Michael and Jimmy, of Philadelphia, PA, and his two dogs, Bella and Lucy.

Funeral services will be held Wednesday, March 19, 2014, at 11:00 a.m. at Saint Alphonsus Church - 33 Conwell Drive, Maple Glen, PA 19002.

A Celebration of John’s Life will take place in Atlanta at a future date.

Relatives and friends are invited to visitation with family Wednesday March 19, 2014 at 9:30 am at St. Alphonsus Church - 33 Conwell Drive, Maple Glen, PA 19002.

In lieu of flowers (seriously!), memorials may be made in John’s honor to:

BullsEye Rescue, Inc., PO Box 888257, Atlanta GA 30356 www.BullsEyeRescue.com

Condolences may be sent to Grady Dale Lee and the Klaiber family at www.hmpattersonspringhill.com.