Joseph Delwin Klish

Joseph Delwin Klish, beloved husband, father, and grandfather, passed away on March 4th at the age of 78.

A lifelong New Englander, Joe grew up in Waterbury, CT.  He graduated from the University of Connecticut, where he earned his Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy.  He met his wife Susan while a senior at UCONN.   When he saw her for the first time, he knew that she was the woman that he would marry.

After graduating, Joe was associated in business with his father before enlisting in the United States Air Force where he was a member of the Air Defense Command and achieved the rank of Captain.  After his service in the United States Air Force he resumed his pharmacy career which spanned 40 years and included roles at Eli Lilly & Company, CVS, and as proprietor of Burlington Pharmacy, a business that he owned and operated with Susan.  His career afforded him the opportunity to move throughout New England, eventually settling in Farmington, CT, where he and Susan raised their family and were active members of the community.  Joe was a devout member of the First Church of Christ Congregational 1652 in Farmington where he served as a deacon.  He enjoyed woodcarving, furniture making, and gardening.  After 37 years in Farmington, Joe and Susan moved to Catonsville, MD to join the Charlestown retirement community, where Joe enjoyed Bible Study, making new friends, and time with his grandchildren.

He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Susan, his daughters Melissa (Todd) Werner and Sarah (Albert) Liu, and his three grandchildren, Cooper, Ruby and Logan, each of whom inherited their grandfather’s intelligence, compassion, and sense of humor.   He is predeceased by his parents Anna (Englehardt) and Joseph Charles Klish, and his brother Douglas Klish.

A memorial service honoring Joe will be held at the Charlestown Our Lady of the Angels Chapel on March 16th at 11 am.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Joe’s honor to the Maryland Food Bank or WYPR, Maryland Public Radio.