03/25/2026

Obituary for Thomas E. Klear

Retired Funeral Director

Thomas E. “Tom” Klear, 89, of North Ridgeville, passed away following a short illness on Friday March 20, 2026, at the Cleveland Clinic Avon Hospital. He was born in Toledo on November 16, 1936, and resided in North Ridgeville for 47 years.

Tom graduated from Central Catholic High School in Toledo in 1954 and then attended Mary Manse College in Toledo and the University of Toledo where he was a member of the ROTC Pershing Rifles Drill Team. In 1965 he graduated from the Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science and then began a long career of service to others. Tom was a true professional, and he always treated others with dignity and respect. Many families through the decades were comforted by his presence and his genuine empathy. Tom worked at several funeral homes in Lucas, Lorain, and Cuyahoga counties and last was on the staff at Liston Funeral Home in North Ridgeville. A faithful Catholic all his life, Tom was a member of St. Peter Catholic Church in North Ridgeville where he served as a Eucharist Minister. He not only served others through his profession, but Tom also served in his community. He was a Charter and Life Member of North Ridgeville Knights of Columbus Council #7970; a Charter Member of the Rotary Club of North Ridgeville; a member of the West Side Irish American Club; a member and former vice president of the North Ridgeville Historical Society; a member of the Lorain County Preservation Network; a member and former secretary of the North Ridgeville Fishing Club; a member of the Friends of the North Ridgeville Library; past president of the North Ridgeville Chamber of Commerce; and a driver for Meals on Wheels in North Ridgeville. In 2006, Tom and his late wife, Carol, received the Golden Kernel Award from the North Ridgeville Corn Festival Committee for their outstanding community service. Tom was also a former and active member of the Greater Lorain County Funeral Directors Association and the Ohio Embalmers Association. Above all else, Tom Klear was a devoted and loving family man.

He is survived by: his seven daughters, Eileen M. Klear of Willowick, Maureen L. Klear (Shelly) of Vandalia, MI, Colleen P. Bridegum (Kevin) of Fairview Park, Kathleen A. Estevez (Rafael) of Citra, FL, Mary Bridget Hornberger (Thomas) of Fairview Park, Erin R. Butkowski (Robert) of Avon, and Megan F. Johnson (William) of Kettering; five grandchildren, Gavin and Logan Bridegum, Samuel Johnson, and Joshua and Molly Samide; four step-grandchildren, Isabel, Zach, Nate, and Alex Butkowski; a sister, Joyce Brock (Frank) of Oak Harbor; a brother-in-law, John P. Bogue of Waterville; a sister-in-law, Gloria Klear of Maumee; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by: his wife of 60 years, Carol G. Klear (nee Snyder) in 2020; his parents, Lavon R. and Frances L. (nee Conry) Klear; three sisters, Mary Gertrude Bogue, Marilyn Klear, and Carolyn Klear; two brothers, James L. Klear and John M. Klear; two sisters-in-law, Diane M. Howard, and Annette C. Klear; and his nephew, John P. Klear.

The family will receive friends on Friday March 27, 2026, from 4-7pm at the Liston Funeral Home, 36403 Center Ridge Road, North Ridgeville. A Memorial Mass will be held Saturday, March 28, 2026, at 11am at St. Peter Catholic Church, 35777 Center Ridge Road, North Ridgeville. Rev. Robert Franco, Pastor, and Rev. Isidore Munishi, Parochial Vicar, will concelebrate the Mass. Interment will be private at St. Peter Cemetery in North Ridgeville. The family suggests that memorial contributions be made to either, St. Peter Catholic Church in North Ridgeville, St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, TN, or to North Ridgeville Community Care.