Remembering another Morris bowling legend
In keeping with my new series about bowling legends, past and present, here is another. He is or rather was a localite, and sadly, John J. Klusick Jr. passed away this past Monday at the age of 94.
While the complete obituary is in today’s paper, here are some excerpts, thanks to his daughter, Linda:
Loving husband of 74 years to the late Lois Klusick, he is survived by his two daughters, Jennifer and her husband, Jef,f of Lorton, Virginia, and Linda of Hopatcong. Gentleman John, as he was known to his family and friends, was born on March 4, 1922, in Morristown.
In addition to the love and devotion he had for Lois and his family, he had three other deeply held passions -- his country, bowling and golf.
He joined the Navy and served for three years in the Navy Air Corps in the Pacific theater during World War II. After his years in the service, he worked at Picatinny Arsenal.
John’s passion for the game of bowling started at a very young age and continued throughout his life. In 1967, he achieved his perfect 300 game after a close 299 and 298. He was named Bowler of the Year for Morris County during the 1966-67 season and inducted into the Morris County Bowling Hall of Fame in 1983 as the first inductee for Bowling Achievement.
Another great passion was golf. His love for the game was not only demonstrated on the “links,” but also as an active member of the Picatinny Arsenal Golf Club since 1958.
A memorial service will be held from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Oct. 8 at Tuttle Funeral Home, Randolph. Following the service, John will be laid to rest next to Lois at the First Presbyterian Church of Rockaway. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project.
I met John after his retirement when he was presented at the annual MC USBC Hall of Fame banquet as the first inductee. I had heard his name but never knew or appreciated his achievements until then. I saw Linda a few times at bowling centers, tournaments, and some county meetings.
My favorite memory is the summer I was privileged to bowl with Linda in the Circle Lanes Gals and Pals summer league. First, she helped me be a better bowler, and we squeaked into second place in a 10th-frame dramatic finish. Second, John and Lois always came to watch, and John, too, gave me some valuable pointers. I have to admit (with no offense to anybody else) that I was actually nervous to bowl in front of John Klusick.
When Linda brought John to one of the Rockaway Lanes bowling boot camps (look at Jim Beyel’s Facebook page for photographs), you would have thought that royalty had walked in. Come to think of it, royalty DID walk in. On that day, John gave me an old newspaper clipping with a photo of John and Jimmy Mack, which later that evening I gave to Jimmy, who was visiting in Pennsylvania at the time. I wish I had half the sharp memory now that John had all the way into his 90s.
So many reflections from John’s friends and teammates have poured in, and as space permits, here are a few:
Miriam Gonsiska: My fondest memory of John goes back to the days of the Picatinny Bowling League at Dover Lanes. I would take the two kids, Michael and Alisa, to watch Al bowl and we would watch “Mr. Machine,” John Klusick throw that beautiful bowl. There was not anyone like him, and there never will be. His approach and delivery were wonderful to watch. At dinners we attended he and his lovely bride Lois would just glide across the floor. What a charming and good-looking couple. Now they can dance together in heaven.
Jim “Jimmy” Mack: In the middle to the late 50s I couldn't get enough of bowling. I wanted to see the best players, so I went to Dover Lanes on Sunday night to watch the Lakeland Mixed Major. I got to watch Buster Panetta, Art Cliff, Danny Washer, Ed Demberg, Dick Griffith and of course John Klusick. It was more than John's ability that made me watch him; it was his class. I even buttoned my top shirt button because John Klusick did.
He was a fine golfer also and played in a foursome with my uncle that set records for longevity of years at Picatinny Arsenal. I appreciate the opportunity to say a public goodbye to my friend of so many years. All of us who knew him were treated to that great word, "class." Sending deepest condolences to his family.
Richard “Ricky” McColligan: I was bowling in the King and Queens League and John would always come and watch his daughter, Linda bowl and would always ask me if I was going to shoot 300. I would tell him maybe next week. The next week came, and he was getting ready to leave and I was in the third game, eighth frame and asked if he could stay just a little longer. And he did. I shot 300 for him. It’s probably the best moment I could have shared with him. He is going to be missed dearly.
Walt Wormann: We lost one of the best guys ever in our sport of bowling.
Albert Gonsiska Jr.: If there ever was a true definition of a “ gentleman in Sport” John Klusick would be that man. I first met John when I started at Picatinny in 1963 and joined the Picatinny Men’s League 1 at Dover Lanes. I met John in that league and I learned to idolize his attitude toward bowling. Friendly tips from him and his fellow bowlers made a very strong impression on me.
He and his team were always dressed in their bowling shirts (John always had his shirt buttoned to the top). John and I worked next door to each other at Picatinny, but it was the bowling and golf that created a friendship that lasted a lifetime. Whether it was during bowling, golf or banquets, John was always the most interesting person you would ever want to meet and converse with. He was a friend forever. He always gave me some of his historical paperwork on bowling and golf that today nobody keeps. His scores made the local bowling news almost weekly.
Jim Beyel: I’m so glad I got to know him a little as he was such a classy guy and gentleman. Tough losing him and Al Jones in the same year. Rest in peace, Hall of Famer!
Liesl Apgar: Oh my, the world just lost one of the sweetest men to ever have walked this earth. My heart goes out to the entire Klusick family. Keep on bowling up in heaven, my dear friend.
Steve Pancoast: Heaven’s bowling team just got stronger. A true gentleman. Proud to call him my friend, RIP John. You will be missed.
John Fitz Scott: He was a class act and nice to everyone he talked to.
John Neral: I remember (John). The bowling community lost a great man.
Dori Tingoli: Very sad to hear this. What a nice guy and he will surely be missed by all. My condolences to the Klusick family.
Richard Cron: A great guy and a classy dresser also.
And finally, from Linda Klusick: It's hard to put into words all that I feel for my Dad. A kind, special man--a loving husband, unforgettable Dad, and a friend to so many people. The various colored hats and matching attire.... with my Mom, also coordinated with his attire, by his side ... unforgettable! Everyone at the lanes would see them coming! My Mom and Dad stopped bowling at the ages of 90 and 92, respectfully. At the June Bowling Hall of Fame Luncheon, my sister commented to me, after the standing ovations for my Dad, "The bowling community is a very special group of people." Yes, a very special group of people supporting each other year after year after year! I shed happy tears that my Dad is now with my Mom, and they are bowling, golfing, dancing and having fun together again! He missed her so.
Calendar
Friday: Entries close for the 40th annual New Jersey State USBC WBA Queens Tournament to be held Oct. 2 at Jersey Lanes in Linden. Based on 72 entries, first place will pay $600. Entry forms are available on the women’s county website: www.morriscountywba.com.
Oct. 16: Morris County USBC WBA 2016 Fall Meeting and fun bowling tournament at Sparta Lanes. This is always a fun and informative event. The meeting will start at 10 a.m., followed by a no tap (strikes given for nine or 10 count on the first ball in each frame) tournament and lunch. You must attend the meeting to bowl in the tournament. The entire package is $20. Lunch (and meeting) only is $10, and bowling (and meeting) only is $10. Forms available at local bowling centers. and at www.morriscountywba.com/id42.html. Deadline for entries is Oct. 10. I hope to see you there!
Send in your news, tournament announcements and results, and anything about bowling to joaness2@yahoo.com or call the bowling hotline at 570-242-4709.