Harry Norman Klitzner, 87, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, July 29, 2020 with his beloved wife Ann by his side. He was born on September 26, 1932 in Detroit, Michigan to the late Isadore “Charles” and Margaret Klitzner.
Harry grew up an only child in Chicago. His father was a vaudeville comic who performed under the stage name “Charlie Country.” His mother, Margaret, was a stage dancer and performed in vaudeville reviews. One of his earliest memories was being on stage as part of his father’s act, and he certainly inherited his father's sense of humor. He enjoyed a good joke and always looked for the funny aspect of any situation. In his youth he loved playing hockey and was a lifelong Chicago sports fan. Harry also developed a love of music, specifically jazz. He and his friends would go to the hangouts in Chicago to listen to the local sounds.
In 1954, Harry was introduced to the love of his life, Ann Gibson. While they were dating Harry found out that he was going to be transferred to Santa Barbara. He knew this was the time to propose. Lucky for him, she said “Yes”! He moved out west, but drove back shortly thereafter to marry Ann in 1956. They drove to California for their honeymoon and made the west coast their home.
Harry earned his degree in electrical engineering and went on to serve in the army reserves from 1957 to 1959 as an electronics specialist. During his career with Raytheon, and then Ford Aerospace, he was a program manager and spent most of his time in the Newport Beach facility working on advanced military projects. After retiring, Harry did some consulting work but mostly enjoyed doting on his cherished grandchildren, playing golf, and sharing a meal and glass of wine with family and friends.
Harry will be missed by his wife of 63 years Ann; son Erik Klitzner (Kathy), of Santa Ana, CA, grandson Kyle of San Francisco, CA, granddaughter Kelly of Irvine, CA; son Kurt Klitzner (Janet) and grandsons Brennan, Keaton, Kade and Drew of San Diego, CA; son Todd Klitzner (Elise) and grandsons Jude, Rhys and Graham of Costa Mesa, CA, and many other cherished extended family. He was a devout Christian and a member of Newport Harbor and King of Glory Lutheran Churches.