Joseph Klebon

Joseph "Joey" Klebon, 50, of Scranton, died unexpectedly Monday at home.

Born in Scranton with a smile on his face and a twinkle in his eye, Joey was the son of Marion Hinds Klebon and the late Joseph Stanley Klebon. He attended Scranton Technical High School before enlisting in the Army. Highly competitive and blessed with exceptional athletic skills and a remarkable muscular physique, he would excel in and enjoy all sports, particularly football and basketball, throughout life. After working at Haddon Craftsmen until its closing, Joey would soon find his calling in the construction trades, working for various contractors and homeowners over the years, particularly those on Penn Avenue. Joey possessed extraordinary mechanical abilities and could build or fix practically anything. He took immense pride in the quality of his work, be it carpentry, painting, roofing, landscaping or any facet of home repairs. Strong like bull and smart like fox, few could be considered as hard working, productive and loyal as he was to his employers and customers.

Socially, Joey was the life of the party and didn't mind being the center of attention. An ultimate free spirit marching to his own beat, he had a rock and roll/'80s hairband/Guns and Roses kind of soul, with the attitude and attire to boot, though his often brash, self-assured nature could never hide his genuine heart of gold. The Dodgers, Bears and Seminoles never had a louder, more rejoiceful, sometimes obnoxious fan than Klebon. Loved shooting pool, playing hoops, beating his mom and sibs in Skepo, and recently, kayaking. Few knew he wrote poetry and had a deep and abiding appreciation of beauty in nature. So witty, intelligent, fun loving, carefree and streetwise, Joey often found mischief in bars and life in general, enabling him to count so many warm acquaintances in law enforcement, corrections and the legal systems as actual buddies of his, because to meet him was to know him and to like him. Simple in his needs and wants in life, he chose experience over stuff, and he had one hell of a ride.

However, what was most important to him was his son, Joey. Never would you find a father more proud of a son than he was of his young Joey, whose success on the Riverside football field a decade ago is the stuff of legend, as was his father's passionate, joyful support and antics in the stands and in the end zone, home and away. Far beyond the touchdowns and Viking glory, know that Joe Klebon helped to raise a smart, kind, respectful and caring young man, and that is his lasting legacy. His son brought out the very best of him, with the help from people along the way, friends from all walks of life who loved this funny, crazy, imperfect guy, and will profoundly miss him.

In addition to his devoted mother, Marion Hinds, of Scranton, Joey is survived by his son, Joseph Cody Klebon, Phoenix, Ariz.; a brother, Michael, San Diego, Calif.; two sisters, Cynthia Klebon, Nyack, N.Y.; Victoria Klebon, Scranton; several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, a great-niece, a great-nephew, cousins and countless friends, including his girlfriend, Judy Nolan Simmons; childhood friend, Ronald Palmiter; Ron and Arlene Bielinski, and his mentor and best friend in life, Frank Regan, all of whom taught him, and themselves, what it means to be a good worker, a good friend and a better man.

The family will receive friends at a memorial reception to be held on Sunday from 2-4 p.m. at the Frank M. Regan Funeral Home, 715 Linden St., Scranton. Wear something with red in it. It was Joey's favorite color.

Please consider directing memorial contributions to www.gofundme.com/joe-klebon-funeral, established to assist the family with funeral expenses.