Obituary of Michael Klotz

MICHAEL KLOTZ 1924 - 2012 Goshen, NY Michael Klotz of Goshen died peacefully at home, on March 27, at the age of 87. He was surrounded by family and friends. Mike was born in Lodz, Poland in 1924. At the age of 15, Mike was forced to live in the Lodz Ghetto, where he worked as an assistant to a blacksmith making war material for the German Cavalry. His mother was forced to sew uniforms for German soldiers. Mike was eventually transported with his mother to Auschwitz, where he was conscribed to forced labor. His mother, a quiet mild-mannered lady, was sent to the gas chambers. His father was sentenced to hard labor. Mike survived Buchenwald, Dachau, Auschwitz, Gross Rosen, Gleitwitz, and Natzweiler Concentration Camps (from where he was liberated). A constant reminder of those dark days was the tattoo placed on Mike's left arm by the Nazis (A8329) for identification. He arrived in Jersey City, N.J. at the home of his Aunt & Uncle Percival & Leonore Harris, who sponsored him for American citizenship. Having missed years of schooling and speaking no English, he was enrolled in Snyder High School at the age of 22. Mike then joined the United States Army (82nd Airborne Division) and returned to Europe where his ability to speak many languages (German, Polish, Russian, Yiddish, and English) was very useful to the Military Police (Intelligence & Interpretation Operations). Upon his honorable discharge, Mike enrolled in beauty school and became a hairdresser. He worked at a top hair salon in NYC, where he met his future wife, Sylvia Kaye. In the 1960's, Mike and Sylvia moved to Goshen, where they opened the Snip & Clip Beauty Salon. They were married at the Westinghouse Estate in Goshen, which was then owned by his aunt and uncle). Sadly, she predeceased him. He missed her every day. Snip & Clip became a Goshen landmark, frequented by many notables over the years. He later attended the Police Academy and became a Deputy Sheriff with the Orange County Sheriff's Department. He retired after 15 years of faithful service. Mike also volunteered at the Arden Hill Hospital Emergency Room. Mike was also a stained glass artist, whose work often featured patriotic and Holocaust memorial themes. Many of Mike's art pieces are currently hanging in government buildings in Goshen. Mike was a generous supporter of American, local, and Israeli charities. Mike loved Goshen and the people of Goshen. He was a regular fixture at the Goshen Diner and Friendly's, where he was well known for his unique sense of humor. A memorial service will be held at Donavan's Funeral Home, 82 South Church Street, Goshen from 11 to 1 on Thursday, March 29. Graveside service and burial will follow at 1:15 at Orange County Veteran's Memorial Cemetery, Craigville Rd., Goshen. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Mike's name to the Goshen Volunteer Ambulance Corps, the Goshen Fire Department, or the American Red Cross.