Steve Klics

Steve Klics, age 67 of Montville passed away peacefully on Monday, July 5, 2021 in the presence of and while receiving the loving care of his family.

Steve was born in Passaic, NJ, raised in Clifton and was one of three children to Stefan and Erika Klics.  His parents’ heritage originated from Germany and Hungry.  When Steve was about eight years old, his family moved back to their homeland of Germany where Steve attended grammar school for two years during second and third grade.  Steve and his family only lived there for about two years when they moved back to the United States, again settling in Clifton, NJ.  Steve eventually attended Clifton High School graduating with the class of 1971.  While at Clifton High School he was an active member of the Clifton High School Soccer team.  Following Steve’s graduation from high school, he attended Seton Hall University in South Orange.  Steve was only at Seton Hall University for about two years when he left school to work with his father who owned a machine shop in Passaic.

Steve worked with his father at his machine shop in Passaic for several years.  Next door to the machine shop was an auto body shop.  Steve became interested in auto body and took a position at the shop next to his father’s.  After working there for several years, Steve and his father bought the auto body shop and it became Klics and Sons Auto Body.  Years later in 1985, Steve left the family shop and accepted a position at Wayne Lincoln Mercury Auto Body.  Steve was employed at Wayne Lincoln Mercury for the next twenty-five years until his health issues forced him into an early retirement.

Many years earlier while Steve was still in school, he met an attractive young lady by the name of AnnMarie Guida, who was the sister of one of his friends.  Nothing came of Steve and AnnMarie until years later in 1974 when the two met at a party. Steve and AnnMarie hit it off great at the party and started dating.  As fate would have it they fell in love and were married on January 15, 1978 at St. Philips Church in Clifton.  After getting married, Steve and AnnMarie settled in Clifton where they welcomed the births of all three of their children.  In 1986, as their family continued to grow, they moved to Lincoln Park.  Eventually in 2007, the family moved to Montville where they have been ever since.

Steve never lost his love of soccer.  For more than ten years he played on the soccer team of the Sportfriends Soccer Club in Wayne.  Steve also enjoyed playing volleyball with his friends and his brothers throughout the years.  He and his family also enjoyed skiing, frequenting such destinations as Mountain Creek in Vernon, NJ, Hunter Mountain in New York, and ski resorts in  Vermont.  Hiking was another of Steve’s favorite pastimes.  For many years Steve, AnnMarie, and their children, enjoyed hiking trails near the Delaware Water Gap.  Steve also enjoyed watching television and movies, particularly the Science Fiction genre.  Steve and his family truly cherished their yearly summer vacations to Sea Isle City at the Jersey Shore throughout the years.  Music was another of Steve’s passions, he treasured listening to a variety of music genres and was an accomplished guitar player as well.

Steve had an outstanding work ethic and was truly dedicated to his profession.  He would often, without hesitation, help his family and friends with their automobile troubles.  Steve was also dedicated to his Christian Faith.  For many years he and his family were members of First Reformed Church in Lincoln Park, and later attended Jacksonville Chapel in Lincoln Park.  Aside from all of Steve’s interests, hobbies, and talents, his greatest passion was for his family.  Steve was a truly devoted husband, father, and grandfather.  Steve and his wife AnnMarie cherished forty three years of loving and loyal married together.  Nothing in the world meant more to Steve than spending time with his family.  He was a friendly outgoing person who loved to socialize with people.  He was a genuinely special person who touched the lives of many people and will be truly missed by his family and friends.    

Steve is survived by his wife AnnMarie (nee Guida) of Montville, one daughter Kristen Klics of Morristown, NJ, two sons; Matthew Klics and his wife Jennifer of Clayton, NC, and David Klics and his wife Milady of Warren, NJ, one brother Richard Klics and his wife Diane of Wantage, NJ, two grandchildren; James Klics, and Charlisse Klics, one sister-in-law Helen Klics of Wallington, NJ, two nieces; Erika Hoffman, and Ivanna Klics, two nephews; Michael Klics, and Stefan Klics.  He was predeceased by his brother Ronald Klics.

Those planning to make a donation in Steve’s name are asked to consider the PAN Foundation, PO Box 76408, Baltimore, MD 21275-6408.  http://www.panfoundation.org/ or Foundation for Morristown Medical Center Stroke Fund, 475 South Street, Morristown, NJ 07960