Carl E. Klepper Sr.

Carl Edward Klepper Sr. passed away peacefully in his home on Sunday, August 6, 2023. He was the beloved husband of Audrey Klepper; proud father of 3 children: Jackie (Bob) Higgins, Kerri (Michael) Purdy, and Carl (Lisa) Klepper Jr.; son of late Julia and Arthur Klepper; and cherished grandfather to Sarah (Alex) Emmett, Brendan Higgins, Jack Purdy, Julia Purdy, Gavin Purdy, Carl Anthony Klepper, and Sophia Klepper. Carl will be sorely missed by all of his adoring friends and the people who were impacted by his kindness and unlimited joy for life.

Originally from New York, Carl grew up an avid sports fan and athlete. He began his passion for cars and mechanics when he received his first bike and proceeded to take the entire bike apart. In his teen years, he was asked to fix patrol cars for the Police Department. His father, a Nassau County Highway patrolman, was killed in the line of duty and passed away when Carl was 2 days old. His mother, Julia, raised Carl on her own, creating their lifelong close bond - he told stories about their relationship his entire life.

Carl’s life was forever changed upon meeting his wife, Audrey, when he was 22. They where engaged and married a year later. After 62 years of marriage, he still referred to her as “my young bride.”

Carl was a master of his trade with a strong work ethic and technical mind. He graduated from General Motors Institute of Technology in Flint, Michigan before beginning his career. His next endeavor was joining the Navy in 1961, where he graduated first in his class. Carl and Audrey received a letter from President Kennedy personally commending him for this achievement.

Carl studied extensively to become an airplane mechanic, master plumber, and master electrician; he held over 30 different licenses at the end of his career. When Carl was in charge of fixing something, you knew it was going to be done meticulously.

Carl was an entrepreneur and President of Fenley & Nicol, a family-owned company he led after beginning as a pump mechanic. Always ahead of his time, Carl’s vision led to the company’s expansion into a new Division of Environmental Services. He and his brother-in-law Paul grew the company to the 2nd largest environmental firm in the tri-state area.

Carl had a deep fascination for cutting edge technology. He had the first edition of any gadget and tool you can think of - from the first computer and VCR, to his Apple Watch and sound system in recent years. He was the first person in his neighborhood to have solar panels on his home in the seventies.

The theme of Carl's life was optimism and making life fun for his family. He coached his son’s soccer team and the children’s neighborhood bowling league. Carl enjoyed golfing, tennis, skiing, race car driving, snowmobiling, and bocce over the years. He was never afraid of trying new things and took up yoga and tai chi later in life. Most of all, Carl loved being with his family and grandchildren.

Carl loved golf and played courses all over the United States and abroad in Ireland and Scotland. His favorite rounds were those with his son, son-in-laws, and grandchildren, who he taught how to play.

Carl was a generous philanthropist and was honored by numerous charities over the years in recognition of his service. He was awarded the Silver Sword Award by The American Cancer Society and was on the board for Dowling College. He additionally received honors and awards from the Epilepsy Foundation, Boy Scouts of America, and American Heart Association. Locally, he helped organize golf outings benefitting Sarah’s Kitchen.

Carl will be remembered most for how he made others feel - he gave the warmest welcome and was the brightest light in any room. His optimism knew no boundary - his wine glass was always half full. He treated every person he encountered with kindness, integrity, and an open heart. Life through Carl’s eyes was seen through rose colored glasses. He was not afraid to deeply love life and the people in it. He will be missed dearly every day by the family and friends who loved him. Carl’s motto was “leave everything better than you found it,” and that he certainly did.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Sarah’s Kitchen in memory of Carl.

A celebration of life will be announced at a later date.