Egon A. Klingel, 93, passed away peacefully on September 17, 2023. Born in New York City, Egon moved to Edison, New Jersey in 2020 to be with his long-time love, Laura Ayala, and her family. Arrangements have been made for Sunday, September 24, 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. at Frank E. Campbell Funeral Chapel, 1076 Madison Avenue, NYC. A service at the chapel will follow, led by Pastor Gregory Fryer.
A U.S. Army veteran of the Korean War, Egon served his country with distinction, earning the Korean Service Medal with two bronze stars. He received the United Nations Service Medal as well. Upon his return, he proudly joined the ranks of the NYPD in 1957. He retired as a detective after 28 years, receiving a Merit Citation for his service to the public.
Egon, the self-proclaimed handball champion of the 92nd St. YMCA, also participated in the NYPD basketball league, placing first in 1972. His love of sports led him to softball, where he was affectionately known as “The Coach” by the gang from Carlow East.
Egon is survived by the love of his life, Laura Ayala, and her family; son Rudolph Ayala, daughter Elizabeth Tirado, and daughter Andrea and her husband, Robert Aker, grandchildren Stephanie and her husband Jonathan Philpot and their children, Bobbi and her husband Matthew McGuigan, and Jesse Aker.
Surviving relatives also include cousins Henry Freudenberger and his wife, Karen, and their children, and John Freudenberger and his children.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Immanuel Lutheran Church, 124 East 88th St., New York, NY 10128.
