John L. Kleppinger

John L (Cooker) Kleppinger (84) passed away peacefully on May 3, 2012 following a brief illness, surrounded by his family. He was born March 27, 1928 to George and Elsie Davis Kleppinger in Pottsville, PA. On January 28, 1950 he married Thomasina G (Thom) Magro and together they raised 8 children. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, his parents, sister Bertha Miller, and two sons-in-law, Tracy Anders and Scott Blewitt. John is survived by 4 sons, John (Ray Leiker) Kleppinger Jr, Cathedral City, CA, Tom (Lorrie) Kleppinger, Doylestown, PA, Jim (Barb) Kleppinger, Lancaster, PA, Dan Kleppinger, Philadelphia and 4 daughters, Diane (John) Surra, Deming, NM, Janice (Ken) Watson, Pascagoula, MS, Joyce Kleppinger, Philadelphia, and Bev (Tim) Hutchins, Philadelphia. He is also survived by his sister, Ada Messina, Warminster, PA as well as 19 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews as well as a very large extended family. Cooker spent his life with Thom in the Philadelphia area and in upstate PA before retiring to Zephyrhills, FL. He returned to the Philadelphia area last year to be closer to his family. He was active in sports in his early years and loved to relive that time with stories told to anyone who would listen. His career began at Standard Pressed Steel, where he worked for many years before going into the grocery business. He worked for A&P and then finished his career at Shop 'N Bag before retiring first to upstate PA and then to Zephyrhills. He was a volunteer fireman as a young man in Bucks County, PA and was instrumental in saving several people especially during the hurricane season of 1955-1956. This time in his life had a great impact on him due to one person who he couldn't save and whom he would forever remember. He was a hero in every sense of the word. He and Thom had a full and rich life together. They adored each other and renewed their vows to each other twice while in Florida. Where they have been separated the last 4 years they are now forever reunited. Visitation will be held Monday, May 7, 2012 at Our Lady of Calvary Roman Catholic Church on Knights Rd from 9 to 10 AM with a Mass immediately following. A memorial service and interment will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his honor to Holy Redeemer Home Care and Hospice 12265 Townsend Rd Philadelphia, PA 19154. T.J. Fluehr, Funeral Director Harold B. Mulligan Funeral Home, Philadelphia www.mulliganfuneralhome.com Visitation will be held Monday, May 7, 2012 at Our Lady of Calvary Roman Catholic Church on Knights Rd from 9 to 10 AM with a Mass immediately following. A memorial service and interment will be held at a later date.