Orphy Michael Klempa Sr., 70 of Wheeling, WV, passed away Monday, October 11, 2021 at Wheeling Hospital.
He was born October 9, 1951, a son of the late Jacob and Geneva (Ricer) Klempa. Orphy graduated from Bellaire High School in 1970, the apprenticeship program for the Union Carpenters and WVNCC. He served as a WV State Senator, a WV House of Delegates Representative and Ohio County Commissioner. He was a service representative of the Mid-Atlantic Regional Council of Carpenters WV District and retired in 2014 with 48 years as a member of the United Brotherhood of Carpenters & Joiners of America International Union, having served as Financial Secretary of Carpenters Local #3, Secretary and Instructor of the Carpenters Joint Apprenticeship & Training Committee, during that time period, as well as the Secretary of the WV Joint Labor Union/Management Apprenticeship & Training Committee, Vice-President of the Upper Ohio Valley Building & Construction Trades Council, President of the WV State Council of Carpenters and Co-Chairman of Project BEST.
Orphy served as Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the River Valley Health Foundation, Board member of The Friends of WVNCC, member of the Board of Trustees at OVMC, member of the Board of Directors for the Wheeling Area Chamber of Commerce, the Wheeling Convention & Visitors’ Bureau, the Ohio County Development Authority, the United Way of the Upper Ohio Valley and the Board of Governors at WVNCC. Orphy was a member of the Cathedral of St. Joseph.
Orphy loved his family and was so proud of his children and their accomplishments in life, as well as those of his grandchildren, as he was their biggest fan and attended all of their school activities, watched them play sports, cheer, dance and perform in plays. He enjoyed spending time with his many friends and was an avid fan of the Tampa Bay Rays, Cleveland Browns, Pittsburgh Steelers, The Ohio State Buckeyes and the WVU Mountaineers.
In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his sister, Lorrie Jo Klempa Davis and a sister-in-law, Susan (Scott) Thompson.
Orphy is survived by Mary Jo (Gray) Klempa, his loving wife and best friend, with whom he loved to travel the world and spend time with at the beach while watching the sun set.
He is also survived by his five children, Orphy (Kim) Klempa Jr., Jeremy (Sara) Klempa, Shannah (Jason) Balsei, Justin (Brooke) Klempa and Ricki Jo; four siblings, Rae (Kim) Scott, Geneva (Craig) Blacker, Joe (Debi) Klempa and John (Gina) Klempa; one sister-in-law, Jean Ann (Keith) Park; ten grandchildren, Genae Klempa, Jodi (Garryn) Clark, Orphy Klempa III, Torrey Klempa, Emily Klempa, Scott Balsei, Chloe Klempa, Jaxon Balsei, Elijah Klempa and Lincoln and numerous nieces and nephews.
Family and friends will be received Friday, October 15, 2021 from 12-8 pm at Altmeyer Funeral Homes, Elm Grove Chapel, 154 Kruger Street. Mass of Christian burial will be held Saturday, October 16 at the Cathedral of St. Joseph at 10:30 am. Interment will be held at Mt. Calvary Cemetery.
The family kindly asks to follow COVID guidelines and that all guests wear a mask during visitation and funeral services.
Orphy, with his signature hat on, would light up a room with his beautiful smile, was a true people-person and always rooted for the underdog. He was genuinely a kind and true gentleman, an advocate for the working man and will be truly missed by all who knew him.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Lorrie Jo Klempa Davis Memorial Scholarship Fund by clicking here.
Condolences may be offered to the family at www.altmeyerfuneralhomes.com.
Oh, Mary Jo, I am so sorry to hear of Orphy’s passing. He was such a wonderful person, always giving of himself, always a smile on his face. My prayers are with you and all of your family.
RIP my friend, my deepest condolences to the Klempa family. The valley will be a much emptier place without Orphy.
To Mary Jo and Family:
Sorry to hear about Orphy.
Please know that your family is in our thoughts and prayers during this very difficult time.
Orphy will be sadly missed but never forgotten. We will always remember him for his bright smile, hearty hello and of course, his hat!
With deepest sympathy,
Pete & Erin Cuffaro
Mary Jo and family. So sorry to hear about Orphy. He is amongst the angels. Our deepest condolences and many blessings to you!
Please extend our deepest sympathies to all the Klempa family. What great guy who left his mark in the valley. He will be sorely missed by all. Way to go Big RED.
Very sorry to hear about this. He was a great man. He will be missed.
So Sorry for your Loss, Prayers to your Family in this time of need.
A prince of a man my friend Orphy
I’ve known Orphy from kindergarten on !! He was such a nice person always smiling !! Our class reunion is on a few weeks and we will miss him so much!! He will be there in our memories of him . Prayers to the Klempa family R.I.P. dear friend !!
Mary Jo and all the Klempa family. Mike and I are so very sad at Orphy’s passing. So many great memories of holidays and picnics and friendship. Mike and Orphy were apprentice carpenters and best of buddies. We have reminisced about so many great times and working experiences these past days You may have departed this earth but you will live on in our hearts forever. Your smile and big heart will always be remembered. RIP Orphy you have earned your heavenly reward with your life and love. May the Lord surround all of you with his loving arms at this sad time. Your family will be in our thoughts and prayers