By Mary Katherine Stump
OCEAN RIDGE — Howard A. Kloss passed away on Dec. 29. He was 85 years old.
Mr. Kloss was born and raised in Chicago, and worked as a stationary engineer for the Chicago School Board until his retirement to Florida in 1990. He also invested in real estate during his time in Chicago. He served in the Merchant Marines during WWII and spent much of his time in Florida gardening. He was preceded in death by his wife of over 40 years, Alice Kloss, who passed away in 2005.
For 15 years, Mr. Kloss and his wife were cared for by John Bias, who had previously been employed to maintain the couple’s pool. “We hit it off,” said Mr. Kloss. “Then one day he called me and asked if I would take care of him and Alice, and here I am.”
The Klosses had no children or close family, and neither did Mr. Bias. Over the years, the three became like family. “Howard was just unbelievable. Very generous. I just can’t believe he’s gone. Walking around the house is hard. I still expect him to be here,” said Mr. Bias.
“I promised him I’d never put him in a nursing home. He wanted to die at home, and that’s what he did.”
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