John W. Klop

On Friday, November 4^th 2022, John William Klop, loving brother and dear friend to many, passed away at the age of 56. 

A lifetime resident of New Hampshire, John was born on September 28^th 1966. Raised in Bedford, he was the only son to John and Frances Klop. He was always surrounded by his four adoring sisters. He is a graduate of Trinity High School and worked for many years as a pressman at the Manchester Union Leader. For the last five years he was a Sales Representative for Quality Insulation.

John’s lifetime love and passion was the sport of hockey.  He began playing competitive hockey at a very young age and played during high school and years following. He coached the Memorial High School hockey team for 31 years, alongside Walley Tafe Jr, Kyle McDonough, Mark Putney and Neil Poitrus.  In 2016, in honor of John’s commitment to coaching younger players and in the spirit of the game, he was honored with the “John Klopper” award, instituted by coach Putney. “The Klopper Award was presented to a Memorial Player who demonstrated a willingness to put his teammates first, who has a desire to block shots, take a hit and to make a play, or win a one on one battle. A player who every night shows a willingness to compete in every shift, every period, and in every game.”

John’s friends will tell you, “Johnny was special, the kindest dearest loving friend, and he had a heart of gold. John loved people and people loved John.” He was especially loved by his nieces and nephews, Garrett, Andrea, Cameron, Ryan, Ian, Jonathan, and Haley. They cherished every moment they had with him. He so looked forward to his boating time with family & friends and for the quiet time of just fishing, particularly at the family home on Northwood Lake. 

John is predeceased by his parents John “Jack” Klop and Frances “Fran” Klop and sister Kathy Bennett.  He is survived by his sister, Donna K. Lencki of Candia, NH, Jackie Sweet of Centerville, Virginia, Karen Logan and her husband Scott of Eliot, Maine, and his nieces and nephews, aunts, cousins and countless friends.

Calling hours will be held on Tuesday, November 15^th from 3-6pm at The Phaneuf Funeral Home & Crematorium, 243 Hanover Street in Manchester. A memorial service will follow at 6pm in the funeral home. Family and friends are kindly invited to attend.

In lieu of flowers, donations in John's memory may be made to The American Red Cross, www.redcross.org or The American Heart Association, www.heart.org.