Melvin A. Kleckner, 85, of East Windsor died on Wednesday, January 11, 2017 surrounded by his loving family. Beloved husband of 62 years to his high school sweetheart Margaret “Peg” (O’Connell). Devoted father to Pamela Coleman and her husband Michael of Corona, CA, Mel Kleckner and his wife Catherine of Belmont, MA, Margaret “Meg” Riley and her husband Michael of Buena Park, CA and Amy Major and her husband John of Fort Lauderdale, FL, beloved grandfather to Michael Coleman, Lindsey Riha and her husband Jimmy, Jason Kleckner, Adam Kleckner and Brian Kleckner, great grandfather of James Riha; brother of Dorothy Gill and uncle to many nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his father, Melvin A. Kleckner, Sr. and his parents, William and Mae Symancyk. Born in Chippewa Falls, WI, Melvin moved to Connecticut, graduating from Newington High School in 1949. He graduated from the University of Connecticut in 1953 where he played basketball for Coach Hugh Greer. He was a member of the 1950-1951 team that went 22-3 and played in UConn’s first NCAA tournament appearance. He proudly served as an officer in the United States Air Force. While stationed in Germany in the 1950’s, he played for the Wiesbaden Flyers throughout Europe.He began his career as the physical education teacher and coach at People’s Academy in Morrisville, VT. He was the long-time coach and athletic director at East Windsor High School, where he amassed 399 wins and several league titles as basketball coach. He was a co-founder of the North Central Connecticut Conference. He was selected as Connecticut’s Outstanding Coach for Boys Basketball in 1979 and was inducted into the Connecticut High School Coaches Association Hall of Fame in 1989. In 1990, he was the recipient of the Distinguished Service Award for Athletic Administration from the Connecticut Association of Athletic Directors. In 2013, he was inducted into the New England Basketball Hall of Fame. He was an avid outdoorsman and member of the Broad Brook Angling Club and the Ketch Hollow Club. He was an active member of Windsorville United Methodist Church. He was a valued member of the “Grounds Crew” at Meadowview and enjoyed his coffee time with a circle of close friends. Relatives and friends may join the family at the Bassinger and Dowd Funeral Home, 37 Gardner St., East Windsor, CT between 4pm-7pm on Sunday, January 15, 2017. Services and Burial will be private at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to the Mel Kleckner EWHS Scholarship Fund c/o East Windsor High School, 76 South Main Street, East Windsor, CT 06088. For online condolences please visit www.pietrasfuneralhome.com
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