Very Reverend Ronald M. Klingler

Very Reverend Ronald M. Klingler, died Sunday. He was born March 1, 1938 in Canton, the son of Homer Klingler and Esther Michel Klingler. He attended St. Joseph School and Canton Central Catholic High School before beginning studies for the priesthood at St. Gregory Seminary, Cincinnati (1956-59). He continued his studies at Mount St. Mary of the West Seminary (1959-1965) and also earned a master's in education degree from Xavier University, all in Cincinnati. He was ordained May 29, 1965 in St. Columba Cathedral by Bishop James W. Malone. Following ordination, he served as associate pastor at Alliance Regina Coeli Parish (1965-1966) before being named to the faculty at Cardinal Mooney High School in 1966, later becoming chair of the theology department. During his time at Mooney, he held pro tem assignments at Canton St. Paul and Newton Falls St. Joseph in the summers, and then served as pastor of North Jackson St. James (1974-1976). He served as pastor of Youngstown Sacred Heart (1976-1978) and was named pastor of Boardman St. Luke in 1978. He became pastor of Canton St. John the Baptist in August 1988. When church was designated a basilica, he was named rector. Father Klingler has also served on the diocesan Board of Consultors, the Priests Senate, the diocesan Board of Education, as dean of Mahoning South, the Walsh University Advisory Board, the Summit United Neighbors board, the Stark County Concerned Citizens for Non-Violence board, the Faith in Action of Central Stark County Inc. Board, the St. Joseph Care Center corporate board, and has worked with Cursillo, as chaplain of the Knights of Columbus Council 341, the Girard/Liberty Rotary and Kiwanis clubs, and Make Today Count. He has served on the pastoral staff of Hospice of Youngstown. He was a charter member of the Happy Hearts of St. Luke's senior citizens group. He has served on the board of Freed Housing Corp. and the Mayoral Housing Advisory Board in Canton. He is survived by his sister, Corinne (Dan) Sanders, niece, Jennifer (Matt) Johnston, nephews, Craig (Allegra) Sanders and Tim (Meagan) Sanders, and several great-nieces and great-nephews. Friends may call Friday from 5-6:45 p.m. at the Basilica of Saint John the Baptist followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 7 p.m. Private burial will be in Saint John Cemetery. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Basilica of Saint John the Baptist.