By Gauri Mangala
Staff Writer

A memorial service entitled “A Magical Musical Memorial” was held on Sunday, Nov. 10, honoring the six-month anniversary of Theodore Kloos’ passing.

The service was held in the Theodore Kloos Auditorium and was open to anyone who wanted to attend. Through singing songs, sharing stories, laughing, and shedding a few tears, Kloos’ friends, students, and family remembered a man who meant much to them.

Kloos graduated from Temple University in 1956 with a teaching degree, majoring in music and minoring in history. He then began working in the Conshohocken School District.

In 1963, Neshaminy sought after Kloos to take over the music program and bring it to life. He was honored and started to teach in autumn of that same year.

Kloos helped sprout an interest in students for a love of music. He founded programs like Concert Choir and Summer Stock, an annual summer musical theater program, to give kids an outlet to express their passion for the performing arts.

“He did so many things for this institution,” Ron Bramley, a Neshaminy student from Kloos’ inaugural year, said.

In 1990, Kloos was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. This condition is a movement disorder that worsens over time. Parkinson’s can cause involuntary shaking of the arms, legs, jaw or face and stiffness of the arms, legs, and torso.

After battling Parkinson’s for three years, Kloos formally retired from teaching, but continued to mentor students and help run the Summer Stock program.

On May 6, 2013, Theodore Kloos passed away after fighting with Parkinson’s for a total of 16 years. He left his wife of 53 years, Arlene, five children, and seven grandchildren. After six months of grieving, his loved ones came together to remember him.

“It was great to see so many people supporting Mr. Kloos,” Chad Wiatrowski, freshman, said.
Singing songs like “Magic to Do” from Pippin, the memorial followed the theme of Kloos’s favorite quotes, “It’s magic time.”

“As soon as those words were said we knew we had a show to do and we made it our best,” Jessica Plunkett, freshman, said.

Former students, Herman and Christian Sebek, who now possess Broadway credits, came to speak about their teacher and perform songs they had composed for him. Admirers of Kloos told stories and spoke his praise. “Ted will live in our memories forever,” spoke Kloos’ close friend, Jeff Adams.
Neshaminy teacher, Suzi Drake remembered her former teacher, colleague, and friend. “He had a way of seeing the good in everyone and celebrating all talents,” Drake said, “He is the one who gave me a love of theater.”

Over 60 people from the Kloos era of Concert Choir took part in singing songs that brought tears to onlookers’ eyes. They were joined by a few members of Neshaminy’s current Concert Choir and Kristin Nichols, Concert Choir director.

Kloos’ children, Jennifer Clayton and Kyle Kloos, spoke at length about their father and conducted the passing of the Kloos baton and pitch pike, which was given to Nichols.
The Theodore Kloos Memorial Foundation was announced at the memorial. The funds raised would go towards music scholarships for the students of Neshaminy High School and would be awarded at the annual spring concert.

Students today remember him for all the things he has done for the music program. “He was just a really amazing guy and his legacy is going to continue in the music program at Neshaminy for a long time,” said freshman, Olivia Hayn.