Michael's death was sudden and unexpected, according to a GoFundMe campaign launched for the futures of his three children, Edward, Brayden, and Avery, by his brother-in-law, John Buldo.
Born and raised on Staten Island, Michael graduated from the University of Scranton, where he met his wife, Teresa, his obituary on the Becker Funeral Home website reads. Michael climbed the ranks in his accounting career starting at PwC and ultimately becoming a partner at BDO. He had been living in River Vale.
"Those who knew Michael will never forget his sharp wit and boundless sense of humor," his obituary says. "He had an uncanny ability to find the funny side of any situation. His humor was a reflection of his genuine warmth, always using laughter to bring people closer together.
Michael was a passionate Jets, Mets, and Knicks fan, a skilled golfer, and an active member of White Beeches Golf & Country Club, his obituary reads.
"In the wake of this tragedy, the well-being and future of their children remain of utmost importance," Buldo writes on the GoFundMe. "Mike and Teresa worked tirelessly to create opportunities for their children and shared a steadfast belief in the transformative power of education to help them build meaningful and fulfilling lives.
"To honor Mike’s legacy, we have established a college fund to support their children’s education and ensure they can access the opportunities he and Teresa envisioned. We humbly ask you to consider a contribution, no matter the size, to provide lasting support for their dreams and aspirations."
Visitation will be held on Friday, Jan. 24 at Becker Funeral Home in Westwood from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. A Funeral Mass will take place on Saturday, Jan. 25 at 10 a.m. at St. John’s RC Church in Hillsdale, with entombment to follow at Garden of Memories in Washington Township.
Click here for Michael Klingele's complete obituary on the Becker Funeral Home website and here to donate to his children.
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