John A. Klotsko, Col Ret, USAF

June 28, 1928 - June 30, 2025

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Obituaries

John A. Klotsko, Col Ret, USAF

John A. Klotsko, (97) passed away on June 30th, 2025. John was born and raised in New Philadelphia, PA. He graduated from Bloomsburg University (PA) and enlisted and entered active duty with the United States Air Force (USAF) during the Korean Conflict. Colonel Klotsko retired from the Air Force after serving 27 years of active duty. In his final assignment he served as the Executive Officer to the Air Force Surgeon General, Headquarters, USAF, Washington, DC.

He married his “true love”, Angelina (Angie) Rutigliano, of Bedford Hills, NY, in 1957. He is survived by his beloved Angie and five wonderful children; Nancy (Brian) Farrell, John Jr (Gale), Peter (Alice), Judy (Ralph) Link, Susan (Greg) Oquendo; six grandchildren; Natalie (Bret) Cameron, Shannon Klotsko, Christine Farrell, Anna Klotsko, John Klotsko and Halynn Oquendo; and two great grandchildren, Jake and Luke Cameron.

Colonel Klotsko had four great loves in life: God, his wife, family, and Country. Known for his quick wit and humor, he was always known to make a crowd laugh. He also had the ability to make the people around him feel special by his thoughtful reflections and acts of kindness. His achievements in life were above par, but he remained humble throughout his entire life. He was extremely proud and honored to have sons and other family members serve our great country.

From his humble childhood in PA, he grew up to become a teacher, husband, father, and healthcare administrator. After he served his country, he spent 18 years as an executive in the pharmaceutical industry, retiring in 1995. With great support from Angie, John worked hard to get two graduate degrees; an MA in Education Administration from The University of Maryland and an MS in Health Care Administration from Trinity University, San Antonio, TX.

After retirement, Angie and John settled in Raleigh, NC. It was here that their activities and friends centered around the Catholic Church in the Raleigh Diocese. John and Angie became immersed in the spiritual and cultural activities of the church and the community. Travel and golf added to their activities. His greatest source of happiness was his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. To his children he was not only their father, but someone to whom they could turn for guidance, both professionally and spiritually.

A funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 am on July 18th at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, Raleigh, NC. The family will receive friends at a reception in his honor immediately following the mass. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Diocese of Raleigh.

Services

18 Jul

Funeral Mass

11:00 AM

Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church 2718 Overbrook Dr Raleigh, North Carolina 27608 Get Directions »
Obituaries
by Obituary Assistant

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Condolences

  • April 19, 2026

    I first met Capt. Klotsko in 1963. He was my instructor at Gunter AFB. John and my path crossed many times for next 20 years of my military career. I felt a special bond with John. I loved him. Ralph Bryan

  • July 25, 2025

    I was just made aware of John's death and extend my condolences to Angie and all family members. I met John and enjoyed the privilege of serving with him in the USAF in Turkey during the 1960s. He was my mentor and good friend during those years and my career as a physician was forever changed by his influence. God's blessings and love to all John's fine family as I carry his memory in my heart.

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    July 16, 2025

    He was an instructor in BCMSA at Gunter AFB, an role model for my career.

  • July 11, 2025

    John was a wonderful family man and served his community well. He enjoyed a successful military career and time in the private sector. He experienced true success in all categories. He will be missed.

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    July 10, 2025

    John was a kind, friendly, and admirable man. Everyone enjoyed him. He was an outstanding Air Force officer. and I'm sure he was an even more outstanding husband, father, citizen, and lover of God and Jesus Christ. I'm proud to have learned from him. Michael K. Wyrick, Major General, USAF, MSC, Ret.

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    July 07, 2025

    May he rest in peace and his family be comforted all the wonderful memories of their time with him

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    July 06, 2025

    I just became aware of John's passing today after a spontaneous Internet search. Angie and family. I send my prayers and condolences to you. John was a special person to me, always kind and generous, and willing to be a friend in every way I will always treasure my memories of him. -David Cunningham, Marietta, Georgia

  • July 03, 2025

    Sending thoughts and prayers to the whole Klotsko family. God Bless. Lisa (Adamson) Grau

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