Obituary of Thomas Alan Kleban

Thomas Alan Kleban, the kind, generous and humble man we all know as "Tek," died March 30, Holy Saturday, at home. He was 56 years old.

After suffering a cervical spine injury in 1989 that paralyzed his arms and legs, Tek lived an awe-inspiring life with his amazing parents, George "Doc" Kleban, who died in 2019, and Elizabeth "Betty" Kleban, of Kaywood, whose dedication and care to their son is unmatched.

Tek's home and heart overflowed with happiness, love, family, and treasured visits from friends as countless as the stars. Tek relished these visits: the laughter from re-telling war stories from the old days of Penn State track and field; the pure joy of hearing family news from new babies to new jobs and the honor of sharing his empathetic heart with those who confided in him. Tek's genuine interest in, and meaningful consideration of, every person he met forged friendships for life. Underneath it all lay Tom's superpower: the strong, fierce, tenacious, loving heart of a champion.

Born fifth of the five Kleban children and introduced early to the Kleban backyard football and assorted games, Tek found it necessary to learn fast. If walking was required, he'd better learn to run; if running was required, he'd better be able to jump, climb, dodge and devise evasive and protective strategies to keep up.

The strategy was effective: Tek went on to play football and compete in track and field at State College Area High School, graduating in 1985 before playing football for the Blair Academy Bucs of the Mid-American Prep League in Blairstown, New Jersey, where he graduated 1986. But State College, and the chance to earn a business degree from Penn State and a secret goal brought him home.

Tek competed under the legendary Penn State track and field team coach and neighbor Harry Groves, and assistant coach Bill Whittaker. He set several decathlon records, including the decathlon pole vault and, fortified by many "Squirrel Hills," a decathlon record in his least favorite event, the 1500 meters. But the secret goal he kept in his heart, the goal he shared only with Coach Whittaker, was to beat his older brother Rick's Penn State decathlon record. Rick set that record in 1985. It still stands.

The goal Tek held in his heart would have to be set aside.

July 2, 1989, Tom, and teammate Eric Steenstra visited friends in New Jersey and went swimming. Well over six feet tall, Tek dove into the pool and hit his head. Fortunately, Eric noticed Tom's distress. Eric saved Tom's life that day, for which Tom's family, friends and Tek of course would be eternally grateful. But it was learned hours later that Tek had suffered a devastating spinal cord injury that would leave him without use of his arms and legs. In the ICU, where visitors were restricted to only one or two people for only brief minutes, word of Tom's accident had spread quickly. Soon there was a line of 25 or more, friends and teammates, night and day, prompting the hospital staff to provide gurneys for those who refused to leave.

Tek's heart, and rigorous decathlon training, prepared him for the extraordinary work he would face in his transition to quadriplegia. Physical and occupational therapy, stretching and training, would be difficult, and at times almost insurmountable, but Tek did not complain, at times working harder than asked. With the heart of a warrior, he opted to take on another challenge: finishing his degree. He succeeded there, as well, despite so many obstacles. He was rewarded in 1995 when Penn State conferred upon him a Bachelor of Arts degree in Speech Communications, but also, simultaneously, Tom earned a Bachelor of Science degree in marketing from his beloved Penn State Smeal College of Business. He topped off those degrees with master's degree in business administration from Penn State's Smeal College of Business, which he earned in 1998. He was the first person under such circumstances to receive a degree.

Tom applied the same heart and passion to his career as a successful research analyst. He spoke often and fondly of Rob Thomas, president, and CEO of Mariner Wealth, formerly of Vantage Investment Advisors, who hired Tom. Tek devoted his professional career to not only meeting, but exceeding, Rob's, and the company's and their clients' expectations.

While Tek's profession focused on business, his passion remained track and field. We can't begin to accurately list all of those whom he coached, especially vault and hurdles. We can absolutely say if you were coached by Tek, you were a part of our family's conversation, for years. He loved you; he talked about you and made you a part of our family. Tom shared the successes and challenges, your family stories, your college careers and beyond. His pride in your performances is significant, but his love for you is legendary and remain a special part of our family.

The deep and profound thanks Tek would wish us to share with you is simply impossible in any sort of listed form. Please know that he, and our grateful family, will always remember and never forget those who knew and loved Tek and those whom he loved.

Tom leaves behind the most awesome, caring, devoted mother in the universe, Elizabeth L. Kleban, and these siblings: Patricia Kleban Klaus and husband William of Cincinnati, Ohio; George R. Kleban and his wife, Patricia McCool Kleban of Bluffton, South Carolina; Richard M. Kleban and his wife, Deborah Koontz Kleban, of Atlanta, Georgia, and Carolyn Kleban Fry and her husband, Scott, of State College.

Tek was, and is, uncle extraordinaire to his nieces and nephews who adored him, many of whom follow in their uncle's track and field footsteps: Paige and Daniel Fry of State College, Pennsylvania, and Megan Fry, and her fiancé, Scott Marshall, of Phoenix, Arizona; Shannon Eggert and her husband Jon, of Bluffton, South Carolina; Jillian Kleban and her fiancé, Greg Shumaker, of Bluffton, South Carolina; Patrick Kleban, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Richard Kleban and his wife, Megan, of Atlanta, Georgia, Colton Kleban his fiancée, Brittany Higgins, of Atlanta, Georgia; Carley Kleban of Charleston, South Carolina; John "Jack" Klaus of Cincinnati, Ohio, and Jane Klaus of Los Angeles, California.

Tek would also want us to tell you he was over-the-moon excited and proud to earn the title of great-uncle to Richard "Tripp" and Brooks Kleban and Jonathan "Jack" and Abigail "Abby" Eggert.

Tom was a member of Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church. He also attended Mass at Pasquerilla Spiritual Center on the campus of Penn State University, where he looked forward to seeing Sue Paterno.

To Tek's tailgate, Penn State, and all friends, a final, "We Are!"

Visitation will be from 2 until 4 p.m. and 6 until 8 p.m., on Monday, April 8, 2024 at Koch Funeral Home, 2401 South Atherton Street, State College.

Funeral will be at 9 a.m., on Tuesday, April 9, 2024 at Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church, 820 Westerly Parkway, State College, with Father George I. Jakopac officiating.

Burial will follow in Boalsburg Cemetery.

To sprinkle Tom's love broad and wide, the family suggests any donations made in Tom's memory go to the charity of one's choice.

Arrangements are under the care of Koch Funeral Home. Online condolences may be made at www.kochfuneralhome.com or visit us on Facebook.