Jaszczuk P.C. is devastated by the passing of our partner and co-founder, John Kloecker. John’s tragic death on November 27, 2018 is a blow to all of us, and we share here just a short tribute to this remarkable man.
John was a proud native of Erie, Pennsylvania, a community he would teasingly refer to as epitomizing quiet, small-town America, but for which he obviously retained enormous affection and to which he would return for visits at every opportunity. John’s intelligence was undeniable, despite his modesty and constant downplaying of his superior intellect. He obtained his undergraduate degree at Harvard, an MBA at Notre Dame and his law degree at Northwestern. He served his country proudly in the United States Navy before beginning his distinguished legal career. After clerking for United States Court of Appeals Judge Richard F. Suhrheinrich, John joined Lord, Bissell and Brook and rose to the partnership ranks there and at its successor firm, Locke Lord. John represented some of the firm’s most significant clients in high-profile commercial litigation, but also took on unpublicized pro bono causes and never turned away people in need of his help. John’s infectious, friendly personality made him the perfect person to lead the firm’s summer program and take an instrumental role in the recruiting process.
John was deeply religious without wearing his religion on his sleeve. Although a devout Catholic, he showed genuine interest in the faiths and beliefs of his diverse group of friends, and was a compassionate, loving support for many people we know and countless others who remain anonymous to us. Most recently, John demonstrated his charitable efforts to serving as the Chair of the Maryville Crisis Nursery Advisory Board.
In January 2017, John was the driving force behind our bold, but challenging decision to start a new firm without a single client having committed to retain our services. John was also key to recruiting every other lawyer who joined the newly minted Jaszczuk P.C. He has been our rock on whom we constantly depend for advice and support on all varieties of personal and professional matters. We will miss John more than we can express. We extend our deepest condolences to his large family, his many friends and all who have benefited from knowing him.
Memorials may be made to the Emmaus Ministries, Erie, PA, Maryville Crisis Nursery, Chicago, IL, and the American Legion Girard Post 494 where he was an active member.
Rest in peace dear friend.
