Goodbyes are not forever, they are not the end; it simply means I’ll miss you until we meet again.
Obituary
Frederick C Klingelhofer Sr., known by most as Rick, born on June 26, 1957 in Baltimore, Maryland, gained his wings on October 19, 2024, in Grand Prairie, Texas. Rick was a man who cherished his family above all and found immense joy in spending time with his five beloved grandchildren, who affectionately called him "Pop Pop." He had a zest for life, especially when it came to traveling with his wife and his kids to the many bike rallies and baseball games, making each trip better than the last.
Rick is survived by his mother, Betty Spensatelli; his father John Spensatelli; his beloved wife of 20 years, Debbie Klingelhofer; his son, Frederick C Klingelhofer Jr; his son Erick Klingelhofer; his daughter, Liz Ingram; his daughter Kristina Klingelhofer; his step-son Chris Conley, and his wife Caitlin; his step-son Josh Conley, and his wife Nicole; and his 5 cherished grandchildren Kaliya, Kaiden, Camryn, Beckam, and Levi. He also leaves behind his step-sister Helena Pittard, his niece Rachel and her two sons , and numerous cousins. Rick was proceeded in death by his brother, John "Chip" Spensatelli.
Rick grew up in Bel Air, Maryland, where he graduated from Bel Air High School in 1975. After graduation, Rick enlisted in the Army and served for two years at Fort Riley, KS in the 55th Army Corps of Engineers. Following his time with the USACE, he moved to Duncanville, Texas where he quickly developed deep friendships and eventually started his own family. When he wasn't working as the "Texas Phone Guy", Rick spent his time following his passions, including collecting baseball cards, working on his "good-time" vans, and riding his Harley Davidson. As his sons were growing up, Rick took an active role in the Boy Scouts as their Cub Scout Leader, going to pinewood derby events, leading camp outs, and helping his kids earn as many patches as possible, Rick liked to win.
Rick made life a party and he certainly never knew a stranger. It's hard to find an event or gathering with his friends that doesn't include Rick going out of his way to make it the most memorable, yet! From late nights at Sipangos to Jell-O shots at the Cowboys Tailgate, from 20 boat tie-ups at Joe Pool to dancing on tables at the Oasis, from Holiday Parties with his infamous Ice Luge to helping grow the Annual Chili Cook-off, Rick was like his Jenga games - Larger than Life!
His love for a good-time was eclipsed only by his heart and desire to give back and help others. Before his accident, Rick was very active in groups like his local HOG chapter, the Abatement group, and the Patriot Gaurd. He found immense joy in helping others and giving back. During the holidays, two of Ricks favorite things were the Santa Toy Ride and dressing up as Santa, visiting families and passing out presents to kids who were less fortunate than others. During thanksgiving, he and his family would make hundreds of paper bag lunches and deliver them to homeless people on the streets. If it wasn't meals and presents, Rick was lending advice, providing support, and motivating his friends and family through what ever challenges they faced.
Our family will fondly remember the warmth and joy he brought to each and every day. Summer memories, road trips, and family gatherings will live on in the hearts of his loved ones. His practical wisdom, sharp humor and goofy antics, will be what we remember the most.
A Memorial Service will take place on November 16th, 2024, at 1 PM at Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church.
- Location: 5851 New York Ave, Arlington, TX 76018
A Celebration of Life reception will take place immediately after, at El Primo's Mexican Grill & Cantina (2pm-5pm)
- Location: 2300 Matlock Rd, Suite #21, Mansfield, TX 76063
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Wounded Warrior Project in Rick's honor. https://support.woundedwarriorproject.org/default.aspx?tsid=10043&ovr_acv_id=5246
Stand by....'Till we see each other again!
Celebration of Life Reception - El Primos
Location: 2300 Matlock Rd, Suite #21, Mansfield, TX 76063
After the service, we invite everyone to join us for a Celebration of Life Reception. Music, food, drinks, and plenty of stories and laughter, its the send off we all know Rick would have wanted!
Gallery
Memory wall
To Debbie, Rick jr, Erick, Liz, Kristina, Chris, Josh, we will be praying for you and your families.
Love you Pops! Till we see each other again!
Favorites
Service
Your presence would mean a great deal to us during this time of remembrance and reflection.
A Celebration of Life will immediately follow after the service.
5851 New York Ave, Arlington, Tx, 76018
