He leaves behind his wife of 57 years, Diane Stoddart Klotz. Charlie also leaves behind his sons, Michael Kenneth Klotz and Matthew Charles Klotz Sr.; and his daughter, Heidi Klotz Champagne. "Papa" as he was affectionately called, had a very special relationship with his daughter-in-law, Jamie Adkins Klotz, and leaves behind his grandchildren, Devon Klotz-MacDonald, Sabrina Holman, Zachary Deyo, Matthew Klotz Jr., Alexandria Nasta, Dylan Klotz, Matthew Champagne Jr., and Skylar Klotz; his four great grandchildren, Levi and Kayden Striplin and Dakota and William "Caleb" Holman; seven brothers and sisters; many, many special brother and sister in laws; nieces; nephews; and many friends and neighbors from over the years. He is preceded in death by his oldest son, Paul Douglas Klotz.
He was a congregant of St. Therese Catholic Church in North Fort Myers, Florida. Charlie was a former resident of Northwood, New Hampshire, Port St. Lucie, Florida, West Palm Beach, Florida and Tewksbury, Massachusetts. Growing up in Boston, his family moved to Rockland, Massachusetts and he graduated from Rockland High school in 1967, but had attended South Boston High School from 1962 to 1965. All his life, he was very proud of being a blue collar worker, as he worked on U.S. Navy ships in the Boston shipyards. He spent many years self-employed as a mechanic and also worked fifteen years for Marshalls, Inc. in Woburn/Chelmsford, Massachusetts, where he was a director of maintenance for a 1,000,000 sq. ft. facility. During his later years in Florida, Charlie worked for Summers and J.W. Fire Sprinkler Companies, until his retirement in 2011. "Dad" was a hockey coach for his son, Michaels', bantam team and he was so proud when they won the championship. Watching his kids succeed brought him tremendous pride! He loved scuba diving when he was younger and being on the ocean and boating was his fulfilled dream. Vacationing, especially cruising with his wife, was his greatest pleasure. They recently completed a 17-day cruise on Viking to Hawaii. No one loved cooking and eating more than Charlie. Always helping others and never turning anyone away, was what Charlie the man was best known for. Respected and loved by all who knew him.
A Visitation for Family and Friends will be held on Thursday, November 21, 2024 from 5:00 PM EST- 8:00 PM EST with a Rosary at 6:30 PM EST at Striffler-Hamby Mortuary, Phenix City, Alabama 36867. A Funeral Mass will be held on Friday, November 22, 2024 at 11:00 AM EST at St. Anne Catholic Church, 2000 Kay Cir, Columbus, Georgia 31907. Burial will follow at Fort Mitchell National Cemetery, 553 AL-HWY 165, Fort Mitchell, Alabama 36856.
