He was born in Plainfield, NJ, on August 26, 1947, to Alfred E. Klapp and Josephine A. Klapp (nee Hodulik). He graduated from St. Joseph’s High School in Metuchen, NJ, and then from Walsh College where he earned his BA in History. Pete enlisted in the United States Air Force during the Vietnam Conflict and attained the rank of Staff Sergeant. Upon completing his tour of duty, he earned a BS in Civil Engineering from the University of Akron and obtained his professional engineer’s license. He worked as a civil engineer at Republic Steel, Enduro Steel, and Goodyear Aerospace. In 1988, he began his own business, Well-Built Homes, proudly serving customers as a meticulous craftsman for over 30 years.
Peter is preceded in death by his parents and his beloved identical twin brother Paul E. Klapp. He is survived by his two children David (Beth) Klapp, and Anna (Chad) Malek, and his five grandchildren, who he loved so much, Jeremy and Melanie Klapp, Max, Mia, and Luca Malek; former wife Tory (Terry) McGonegal. Also survived by his siblings, Sharon (John) Ellicson, Philip (Denise) Klapp and Louise (Larry) Pettit and sister-in-law Linda Romano Klapp, as well as numerous in-laws, nieces, nephews, and friends.
In his retirement, Pete devoted his time to the two things that brought him the most joy: his family, especially his grandchildren, and his home-built airplane. Always generous with his time, Pete completed countless home improvement projects for family and friends, both near and far, and worked on many airplanes of fellow friends in the Experimental Aircraft Association flying club, of which he was a member of Chapters EAA 82 and EAA 846.
He was our father, grandfather, brother, and friend and there are no words to express how much his patient, steady, and kind heart will be missed. We take comfort knowing he passed doing what he loved. By his example we are challenged to do difficult things, to be unafraid to follow dreams, and to take flight in our own ways.
Peter was a proud military veteran, so in lieu of flowers please make a donation to the Honor Flight Network, www.honorflight.org, or Homes for Our Troops, www.hfotusa.org.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, September 13, 2021 at 10:30 am at St. Paul Catholic Church, 241 S. Main St. North Canton, OH, 44720 (Masks and Social Distancing are kindly requested). A military committal service will immediately follow at 12:30 p.m. at the Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery, 10175 Rawiga Rd., Seville, OH, 44273. An outdoor celebration of life, at which all are welcome, will follow immediately a 1:30 p.m. at Memorial Park, 274 Grandview Ave. Wadsworth, OH, 44281 at the Main Pavilion. Please join us in remembering Pete wherever you feel most comfortable.
