Obituary of Jr. Klaban

William "Bill" Harry Klaban of State College, died peacefully at his beloved home in State College, on Sunday, November 30, 2014. He was 86 years old. He was born on October 18, 1928 in Swissvale, the son of the late William H. Klaban and Christine Ann Quigley. He graduated from Swissvale High School in 1946 where he was president of his junior class. His love for the out of doors grew from his involvement with the Boy Scouts attending and then serving as a scout leader at Camp Twin Echo in Ligonier for many summers. He attained the rank of Eagle Scout at the age of 15. During High School he worked weekends as a masonry laborer for U. S. Steel. After graduation he joined the United States Marine Corp during World War II and developed a lifelong love for his country. Taking advantage of the GI Bill, upon graduation he enrolled at the Pennsylvania State College. As a freshman he entered the first class at Behrend Center in Erie. He spent his sophomore year on the main campus where he earned his liberal arts degree in Advertising and Journalism in 1951. After an internship at the Centre Daily Times during his senior year, his work was recognized and Bill was offered a position as the first full time advertising salesman in Bellefonte. He began work before graduation. Wanting to get some television experience, he joined the Advertising Corporation of America in Pittsburgh. They were the only agency at the time to do live commercials on television. Tiring of the long commutes and missing the serenity of State College to raise his family, he immediately accepted the offer to return to the Centre Daily Times as Advertising Director. He had found and returned to his "Happy Valley". Those were exciting times and the town and paper grew. The daily page average, ten at the time of his directorship, increased to 28. After 29 years of service at the CDT, he bought Hartman's Appliance Store, later known as Klaban's Appliance. Bill's love for his country and community was exemplified in his service to both. He was the volunteer personified. He was an honorary member of Alpha Delta Sigma and Alpha Phi Omega. His love of scouting continued through his adult life in the Boy Scouts of America, Scoutmaster of the Bellefonte A. L. Troop, Cub Master of the Corl Street School Pack, assistant Scoutmaster of St. Paul's Methodist Church (Troop 31) taking them on a one week camping and hiking trip to Philmont Ranch in New Mexico. He served as camping and activities chairman for the Juniata Valley Council and as Neighborhood Commissioner. Bill served as President of the Corl Street PTA and neighborhood Chairman for solicitations for the construction of the original Welch Pool. He was a member of the Alpha Sigma Phi social fraternity and served on its board for 43 years. During those years he received the Delta Beta Xi award for his outstanding work with the students and his dedication to his fraternity. He subsequently served the national fraternity as Grand Province Chief and volunteer Alumni Advisor to five fraternities in the Mid-Atlantic region. Bill was past Commander of the State College American Legion Post 245. He was an active member of both the State College Knights of Columbus Council 4678 and 4th degree member of Our Lady of Victory Assembly 1945. He belonged to the Nittany Leathernecks, Tussey Mountain Ski Club, Centre Hills Country Club, State College Lions Club, State College Elks Lodge, pioneer and life member of the Penn State Alumni Association, Aircraft Owners Piolet Association and Eucharistic Minister. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by one sister, Jean Condon. He is survived by his wife, Nancy Weston Klaban, to whom he was married for 66 years, his son William H. Klaban III and his wife, Amy Trost, of State College, his daughter, Pamela Lane Schmid of Taos, New Mexico and grandson, Cameron Meade Klaban of State College, all of whom he was very proud. In lieu of gifts or flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to Our Lady of Victory School, 800 Westerly Pkwy, State College, PA 16801, for the enhancement of teachers' salaries. Visitation will be from 1 until 3 p.m. and 6 until 8 p.m., on Friday, December 5, 2014, at Koch Funeral Home, 2401 South Atherton Street, State College. Funeral service will be at 10:30 a.m., on Saturday, December 6, 2014 at Our Lady of Victory, 820 Westerly Pkwy, State College, with Father Neil Dadey officiating. Burial will be in Boalsburg Cemetery. Arrangements are under the care of Koch Funeral Home, State College. Online condolences and signing of the guest book may be entered at www.kochfuneralhome.com.