Thank you, John Klapik, for 30+ years of announcing at Capeway Rovers Motorcycle Club.
John C. Klapik 68 of Tiverton, RI passed away unexpectedly on July 8, 2022 due to a massive heart attack. Born in Wyndham, CT he was the son of the late Malvine (Barkevics) and Constantine Klapik. He had formerly worked in fabrication at George Patton Associates for almost 25 years with an impeccable attendance record and colleagues that became friends. There are also lives he touched during the time spent previously employed by Wright’s Mill Tree Farm in Canterbury, CT.
When he wasn’t at work, he preferred to continually be in motion and kept busy with hobbies he was passionate about to a level of enthusiasm that was apparent to all who encountered him. He was known to his friends as “the best carpenter in the world” and could be found doing commissioned projects on houses around the area where he enjoyed teaching as he worked or problem-solving a formerly botched repair (although some of his fingers were always sacrificed in the process.) He was also an avid photographer, having his work printed in several publications. His photo subjects were often flora, fauna, or people he loved, but he also made sure to capture the action of all the race and car tracks he visited over the years. He was a lifetime member of the Central Cycle Club of Central Village, Connecticut and the American Motorcycle Association. Intermittently racing, announcing, and working security up and down the East Coast, John’s presence could not be ignored with his huge smile and booming voice that had no volume control on or off the mic. He was proud of his comically self-proclaimed “world-famous” recipes and relished trying every manner of food himself and feeding others his cooking in equal measure. In the snow, he skied and built ornate snow sculptures. On sunny days, he would fish or ride his customized road bike into the wind. On rainy days – perhaps he entered a poker tournament at the casino or hid in the garage to work on his cars (rain was not the weather for him.) He cheered on the Patriots loyally and would also perk up anytime international sporting events featured players from his mother’s native country, Latvia.
He is survived by his beloved daughters Emily Joy Klapik and Heather Lauren Klapik, along with their mother Ellen Marie Dahl. In addition, he leaves his partner Rosa I. Aguilar, whom he made a home with in Tiverton, along with a tight-knit circle of friends that were more like family. John was an industrious, caring, quirky, and spirited man. The world has lost a whole lot of frenetic energy, kindness and laughter as we say goodbye to the man known alternatively as Jed, JR, Johnny K, or just Dad.
Visitation will be held on Thursday July 14th from 5 to 7 PM at the Pocasset Memorial Funeral Home 462 Main Rd., Tiverton, RI. http://www.almeida-pocasset.com
