Joseph P. Klodzen, 75, of Westvale, died unexpectedly at his home on June 14. Born March 17, 1941, the son of the late Joseph and Jane (Bidnik) Klodzen, he graduated with the first high school class of Sacred Heart Academy in 1958. He was a standout athlete in basketball and, especially baseball, where he was drafted by the St. Louis Cardinals. Joe was a long-ball hitter who was very well-known in the Central New York area. He attended LeMoyne College and retired from the General Electric Company. After retirement, he worked many years as a security guard with the New York State Fair. He was a long-time member of the Pastime Athletic Club and coached baseball for several years with the West Genesee Athletic Club. He was a parishioner of the Basilica of The Sacred Heart of Jesus. Joe was a doting father and grandfather, deeply involved in the lives of his two children and his five grandchildren. Proudly, their biggest fan, Joe never missed an opportunity to cheer on his grandkids at their countless hockey and baseball games, watching them grow into outstanding athletes of their own. His grandkids were the apple of his eye. He is survived by his daughter, Pamela Farabee (David) of Cicero; son, Jeffrey (Kristin) Klodzen of Camillus; his sister, Janet (Frank) Brieaddy of Westvale; grandchildren, Jacob, Jesse and Joel Farabee, and Adeline and Jack Klodzen, and the mother of his children, Donna Thomas of North Syracuse; niece Cristin Kamantauskas Dupew and nephew, Brendan Brieaddy. Contributions may be made to the American Heart Association . Calling hours; Friday 4 to 7 p.m. at Hollis Funeral home, 1105 W. Genesee St, Syracuse. Funeral Services: Saturday 9 a.m. Sacred Heart Basilica. Burial: Sacred Heart Cemetery, Lakeland. - See more at: http://obits.syracuse.com/obituaries/syracuse/obituary.aspx?n=joseph-p-klodzen&pid=180344726&fhid=22216#sthash.CBvGgBSz.dpuf