Klapper, Howard J. (Dr.)

Passed: 2011-12-06

Age: 76

Source: Jackson County Newspapers

Death Notice:

Obituary Date: 2011-12-10

Information: Dr. Howard J. Klapper, 76, of Colliers WV, formerly of Ripley WV, passed away on Tuesday, December 6, 2011, at home.  Dr. Klapper was a son of the late Maurice Leonard Klapper and Goldie Hammersmith Klapper.  He was born October 15, 1935 in Clarksburg WV.  He was a graduate of Staunton Military Academy, Staunton VA.  Dr. Klapper was a graduate of West Virginia University and received his doctorate in optometry from the Massachusetts College of Optometry.  He also earned a masters degree in psychology from Brooklyn College NY. He was a member of the WV Optometric Association, and the American Association of Optometric Physicians.  ""Doc"" was also a member of the Ripley Rotary Club.      Prior to a brief stint at the Weirton Wal-Mart, Dr. Klapper practiced for fifty three years, the last sixteen years in his office at the Ripley Wal-Mart.  It was there that he was honored on the 50th anniversary of his practice and dedication in the field of optometry.  In his own words, Doc was a ""servant of the people.""  He was a member of Temple Israel, Charleston WV.  A very compassionate doctor, he gave generously of his time and talent to those in need.  He enjoyed the theater, fine arts, traveling and civil war histroy.  He was well known for his love of animals and his beautiful fish aquariums.      Dr. Klapper is survived by the love of his life, his wife, Patricia (Patty) Brown Klapper, and a daughter, Lori and her husband, David Browning, of Colliers WV, and a son, Christopher Tuttle and his wife, Elizabeth, of Clear Brook VA, nine grandchildren, a host of family and very dear friends.  Services were Wednesday, December 7th at Mullenbach Funeral Home, 669 Main St., Follansbee WV with Rabbi Beth Jacowitz-Chottiner officiating.  Interment will follow in Union Cemetery, Steubenville OH.  Send condolences to www.mullenbachfh.com.