Nicholas J. Kleist, Sr.

December 12, 1925 - January 21, 2021

Nicholas J. Kleist, Sr., 95, passed away January 21, 2021 at Crouse Hospital. He was born in Syracuse, son of the late John and Helen Falge. Nick was a proud U.S. Navy WWII veteran; he would prepare the planes and buckle in Teddy Williams at the Naval Air Station in Pensacola, Fl. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus, president of the Holy Name Society and head usher at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church. Nick worked as an Elevator Operator at St. Joseph’s Hospital, contact lens specialist at Edelstein’s and worked for Onondaga County Social Services. He also volunteered at Francis House. Nick was an avid Yankees fan, and looked forward to his trips to NYC to celebrate the Feast of San Gennaro. He enjoyed playing cards with his friends at Buckley Square. Nick loved mailing cards of all occasions to family and friends. He also enjoyed cooking for his family and was famous for his Christmas Lebkuchen and Sauerbraten and noodles. Always quick with a joke, Nick had a unique sense of humor and was one of a kind; his mission in life was to be a caregiver, make people laugh and put a smile on their face, and to love everyone and be loved. Along with his parents, he was predeceased by his wife, Rose Kleist in 2014, and his grandson, Sean Michael Welch. Nick is survived by his 2 daughters, Helena (Michael) Welch and Deborah (James) Fresina; 2 sons, Nicholas (Toni) Kleist, Jr., and Mark (Angela) Kleist; 10 grandchildren; 12 great grandchildren; 1 great-great grandchild; siblings, Joseph Falge and Jack Falge; many nieces and nephews. Nick’s family would like to thank all his caregivers at Crouse Hospital. A Funeral Mass in celebration of Nick’s life will be held at 10:00 am on Wednesday, January 27, 2021 at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church. Entombment with Military Honors will follow at Assumption Cemetery Mausoleum. Family and friends may call from 4:00 – 7:00 pm on Tuesday, January 26, 2021 at the THOMAS J. PIRRO JR. FUNERAL HOME, 3401 Vickery Rd. (corner of Buckley Rd.) North Syracuse, NY. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.