Aloysius (Al) Klugiewicz, 108 years old, was born in Erie, PA., on(Flag Day) June 14, 1916.  Al passed away peacefully on July 7, 2024, at the Erie VA Medical Center surrounded by loving family. He was a lifelong resident of Erie, Pennsylvania the son of the late Teofil and Agnes (Filipak) Klugiewicz.

Al grew up on Erie’s Lower Eastside and attended East High School until he joined the U.S. Cavalry in 1934. Al served as a mounted Trooper at Fort Myers Military Base adjacent to Arlington National Cemetery as a proud member of the 3rd Cavalry Regiment (Brave Rifles). Al rode in the 2nd inauguration parade of FDR as well as providing armed security. He was one of the last surviving Horse Cavalrymen.

He eventually joined the U.S. Army and distinguished himself as a Master Sergeant with 5 Bronze Battle Stars. (Normandy, Northern France, Central Europe, Rhineland, and the Battle of the Bulge.) He turned down a battlefield promotion to an officer so that he could remain with his company.

The French Government presented him with the prestigious Legion of Honor Award for extraordinary service toward the liberation of France. Rank: Chevalier (Knight).
 
He worked at the General Electric plant for 37 years. 

He was an active member of his treasured Polish Catholic Church of Saint Casimir for over 100 years and proudly served as a member of the Holy Name Society.

Al enjoyed his retirement traveling with Eleanor to foreign countries, and attending his Army (83rd Infantry) reunions as well as his U.S. horse Cavalry reunions in Fort Reno, Oklahoma.

In the 1960s and 1970s, he was a private pilot and share owner of several small airplanes. He was also a Boy Scout leader, training many boys in future life skills.

Al had a long interest in photography and enjoyed taking photos and movies of family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife Eleanor (Yushkiewicz), brother, Joseph Klugiewicz, and sisters, Regina Lorelli, Marianne Nicholl, Helen Drabic, Alice Wozniak, Esther Klugiewicz, and Aurelia Klugiewicz.

He is survived by 3 sons Gregory and his wife Diane, Timothy, and Thomas, as well as grandchildren Adam Klugiewicz and Randi Klugiewicz. Many nieces and nephews. Al was truly a prime example of “The Greatest Generation”.

A special Thanks to Dr. Thomas, the staff of the Erie VA Medical Center, and Niece Camille Federoff for providing loving care.

Friends may call the Kloecker-Bailey Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc. 4396 Iroquois Ave. on Thursday, July 11, from 3 pm until 7 pm and are invited to the Funeral Mass the following morning, Friday, July 12, at 10am at St. Casimir Church 629 Hess Ave. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery. Send condolences to  www.kloeckerfuneralhome.com.

Francis V. Kloecker III
Funeral Director
Kloecker Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc.
2502 Sassafras Street
814-454-0156
Kloeckerfuneralhome.com

source: 83rd Association/ Obituary 07/09/2024

Page last revised 07/09/2024
James D. West 
Host106th@106thInfDivAssn.org
www.IndianaMilitary.org