KLESIC - John Michael Of South Buffalo, NY, February 16, 2025. Dearest father of Lindsay R. (James) Steger and Casey R. (Adam) Massick; grandfather of Amelia, Graham and Cooper; loving son of the late John J. and Mary E. (Pinter) Klesic; brother of Ann Klesic, Susan (William) Doll, Mary (Douglas) Deschamps and Michael (Denise) Klesic; also survived by nieces and nephews. No prior visitation. A Celebration of Life Gathering will be held at the convenience of the family. Mr. Klesic was a U.S. Navy Veteran. Arrangements by: CASTIGLIA FUNERAL HOME, INC., 873 Abbott Rd., South Buffalo, NY, (716) 824-6435. Please share your condolences at: www.castigliafuneralhome.com John Michael Klesic passed away on Sunday, February 16, 2025 in Buffalo, New York. He was surrounded by his loved ones in the days leading up to his death. John was born in Buffalo, New York in 1963 to John and Mary Klesic. He attended St. Ambrose grammar school and then South Park High School before joining the U.S. Navy in 1983. He served on the USS Vulcan AR-5 for his entire enlistment. During his service he was awarded the Sea Service Deployment Ribbon and the Commander Sixth Fleet Letter of Commendation. While on deployment he met his former wife which he shares two daughters with. After his service ended, they moved to Cedar Rapids, Iowa. In Cedar Rapids, he worked in manufacturing, but most notably for Cedar River Paper. Never a stranger, John became part of a large group of friends known today as 'The 30th Street Gang'. They spent their time camping, fishing and celebrating holidays throughout the years, becoming more like family than friends. He loved to cook, especially for his friends and family. They loved to challenge him with 'Stump John' dinners. He developed a love for cycling in his late 30's, participating in a number of Ragbrai rides. After leaving Cedar Rapids in 2009, John lived for a few years in Tucson, AZ and eventually made his way back to Buffalo, NY, reconnecting with old friends and family. He was known for his big hugs, fun stories and his ability to make everyone feel welcome and loved. He has touched the lives of so many and will be missed dearly. John was preceded in death by his parents, John and Mary Klesic; and is survived by his siblings, Anne Klesic, Sue (William) Doll, Mary (Douglas) Deschamps, Michael (Denise) Klesic; his daughters, Lindsay (James) Steger and Casey (Adam) Massick; and his three grandchildren, Amelia, Graham and Cooper. A Celebration of Life will be held on May 3, 2025 at Prairie Oak Lodge, 4201 Big Bluestem Dr., Marion, IA from 12-4 PM.