Joseph F. Klett

Joseph F. Klett, 75, a lifelong resident of Newington, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, March 14, 2018. Known for his keen intellect, rapier wit and endless sarcasm, he was a raconteur extraordinaire. Born in Hartford on June 28, 1942, he was the son of the late Harold F. and Kathleen (McCaw) Klett. Joe retired from the UConn Health Center, Engineering Dept. after many years of service. He also served as a Hartford County Deputy Sheriff and more recently served as a Connecticut State Marshal. He was a veteran of the CT Army National Guard. Active in state and local politics, he was a former member and Chairman of the Newington Planning & Zoning Commission during the building boom on the Berlin Turnpike and was instrumental in the acquisition of two large open space parcels. Joe was a member of the Newington Democratic Town Committee, and was elected chairman in 2000 and held that post until 2007. He served as campaign chairman for four campaigns for State Senator Biagio Ciotto. He also represented Newington as a commissioner of the Metropolitan District Commission (MDC) from 2005-2016. He was a former member of the Newington Volunteer Fire Dept. Co. #3 and for many years and was active in the state employee union.

Joe is survived by his sister, Mary Klett Ryan of Rutland, VT; his brothers and sisters-in-law; Richard A. Klett and his wife Maureen of Newington and Michael A. Klett and his wife Janet of Old Saybrook; his wonderful nieces and nephews who were all close to his heart and held Uncle Joe (or Great Joe) in high regard: Stephen K. Ryan, Mary Kate Whittum, Maura C. Ryan, John M. Klett, Thomas R. Klett, Mary-Lou Stoneburner, Timothy R. Klett, Kathleen Gallagher, Kevin P. Klett, Harold L. Klett, Brian P. Klett, K.C. Klett, Colin R. Klett, Michael D. Klett; his much beloved step-daughter, Jessica Strickett; his step-son, Robbie Rhodes and numerous great nieces, great nephews and special cousins in the U.S., Ireland and the UK. He is also survived by his long-time personal assistant, Maria Amaro and his many dear friends. Joe was predeceased by his beloved son, Joseph M. DuMouchel; his brother and sister-in-law, John F. and E. Joyce Klett and his brother-in-law, Thomas C. Ryan. The family would like to extend their utmost gratitude to those who cared for him at Newington Rapid Recovery and also to his extraordinary circle of friends who cherished him.

The funeral will be Monday (March 19) at 9 a.m. from the D’Esopo Funeral Chapel, 277 Folly Brook Blvd., Wethersfield followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. in Annunciation Parish (St. Mary’s Church), 626 Willard Ave., Newington. In honor of St. Joseph’s Day, the family requests that everyone please wear something red to the funeral. He will be buried next to his son in West Meadow Cemetery, Newington. The family will receive relatives and friends on Sunday (March 18) from 2-5 p.m.at the funeral chapel. Memorial contributions may be made to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, 20 Batterson Park Rd., 3rd Floor, Farmington, CT 06032. To share a memory of Joe with his family, please visit www.desopo.com.