Nathaniel "Nate" R. Klimek

Nate was a devoted husband, father, son, brother, uncle, nephew, cousin, coach, colleague, and friend. He is survived by his beloved wife, Katherine “Katie” McAvoy Klimek, and their three cherished children: Mason, Logan, and Emma Klimek. With Katie, he built a vibrant family universe filled with comic book heroes, cooking, sportsmanship, and exploration. A proud and loving father, Nate took joy in escorting his daughter to dances, coaching his sons’ sports teams, and traveling with his family.

Nate was a lifelong first responder and proudly served as a Firefighter Paramedic with the Platteville Gilcrest Fire Protection District, where he was recognized in 2025 for five years of service and honored with the Chief’s Merit Award. He was deeply dedicated to his brothers and sisters at the department and committed to keeping his community safe. His calm strength, quick reflexes, and deep compassion made him a respected colleague and a trusted professional in every emergency he faced.

Born and raised in Pittston, PA, Nate graduated from Pittston Area Senior High School in 2002, where he was a proud member of the wrestling team. He went on to earn his certification in Paramedic Emergency Medical Technology from Luzerne County Community College.

Nate will be remembered for his warm smile, his generous heart, and his truly wonderful sense of humor. He was a devout Christian, a loyal fan of the New York Yankees and Philadelphia Eagles (Fly, Eagles, Fly!), though he also rooted for the home team, the Denver Broncos. He was a gifted athlete who once played for the Scranton Eagles. He enjoyed pickleball, weightlifting, and playing softball with his brother and father.

He is survived by his mother, Michelle Kern Klimek; his father, Ken Klimek Sr.; and Elio Ghigiarelli Jr., Michelle’s partner. He is also survived by his brother, Ken Klimek Jr. (Sarah), and nephew Benjamin; and his sister, Katrina Klimek-Osiecki, and her husband Joseph, along with nieces Olivia and Cali. Nate shared an especially close bond with both his brother and sister — an unbreakable connection built on loyalty, laughter, and lifelong love. He also leaves behind his grandmother Phyllis Harrison; aunts and uncles; and many beloved cousins, including Brandon Wilson, Gary Wilson, and Dustin Dippre. He grew up surrounded by love with his extended Kern and Polumbo families, including his great aunt Rose Geueke; aunts Marissa and Deborah Harrison; and uncles Albert and Robert Kern.

Nate also leaves behind many dear friends, including his Platteville Gilcrest fire family.

Nate was preceded in death by loved ones he held especially dear: his grandmother Mary E. Kern Cox and her longtime companion, James “Richie” Bruder; his aunt Judith “Judy” Wilson-Dippre; his great-grandmother Mary Palumbo; uncles Thomas and George Kern; aunt Dorothy Kern; uncle John “Jack” Harrison; and cousins John “Moose” Harrison and George T. Geueke, Jr.

Nate lived his life in service, in laughter, and in love. His memory will live on in all who knew him.

Fly, Nate, Fly