Michael Klembara Obituary, Death – Michael Andrew Klembara, 56, of Pottsville, a native of Coal Township who was cherished as a father, son, brother, uncle, friend, and referee, died away on Monday, July 10, 2023. He was a native of Pottsville. Michael, the son of Jane and Michael Klembara, was born in Pottsville in August of 1966. His parents are named Michael and Jane. During his time at Our Lady of Lourdes Regional High School in Coal Township, where he participated in the sports of football, baseball, and wrestling, he earned the endearing nickname “Scoop” and graduated in 1984.
During his time there, he was also known as “Scoop.” Michael’s officiating career ran almost exactly 39 years to the day. In 1985, he got his start as a basketball referee and eventually moved on to other sports including baseball and football. In the fall of 2011, he was selected to officiate NCAA football games in Division III for the Centennial Conference. In the year 2022, he was selected to officiate an NCAA Division I football game that took place at Bucknell University.
He officiated a large number of games at the district, state, and champion levels, including two state championship football games and the football game between Easton and Phillipsburg on Thanksgiving Day. Because of his commitment to officiating football games, the Thanksgiving dinner venue had to be moved due to his schedule that year. Michael is survived by his wife, Anita Klembara; his children, Michaela and Julia; his parents, Jane and Michael; his brother, Andrew; his sisters, Melissa Klembara and Jennifer Klembara Gubernot; and his 12 nieces and nephews.
Michael is also survived by his brothers, Andrew and Michael; his sisters, Melissa Klembara and Jennifer Klembara Gubernot; and his parents, Jane and Michael. Michael Andrew Klembara, 56, of Pottsville. A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Saturday at St. John the Baptist Church, 913 Mahantongo St., Pottsville. Family, friends, neighbors and colleagues are invited to join the Klembara family for food and drinks at a celebration of Michael’s life from 12:30 to 4 p.m. at St. Nicholas Hall, 855 Sunbury Road, Minersville.
