ENFIELD, CT – Dr. Albert Samuel Klautky, 94, passed away peacefully at home Tuesday, January 4, 2022. Born April 16, 1927 in Guyana, South America, he was a son to the late Claude and Christine Klautky. He graduated from Central High School in Georgetown, Guyana, receiving his Senior School Certificate from the University of Cambridge, Cambridge, England. He went on to college at Howard University, Washington, DC and Columbia University, New York City, NY. Seeking to help others, he sought medical training and in 1957, he graduated from Heidelberg University Medical School in Heidelberg, Germany where he was awarded his Doctor of Medicine, cum laude. Dr. Klautky was an intern and resident in Brooklyn, NY, then General Surgery at Baystate Medical Center, Springfield, MA. At Baystate he was selected Chief Resident in Surgery. He desired further training and extended that at the Cancer Division for Western MA Hospital, Westfield where he was also Chief Surgical Resident. Thereafter, he moved to Georgetown, Guyana with his family, and in ongoing efforts to bring quality care he was co-founder and Chief Surgeon for Medical Arts Center Hospital, Georgetown, Guyana, proudly serving as chairman of the Board of Directors. Due to change in circumstances he moved back to the United States and continued practice in the Cancer Division for Western Massachusetts Hospital. He was promoted to Assistant Superintendent then transitioned to Acting Superintendent for Western Massachusetts Hospital in Westfield, MA. One of his accomplishments there was developing a high quality Surgery Oncology program which was new for the hospital and uncommon at the time for a public hospital. Subsequently, Dr. Klautky created his own private practice in the specialty in General Surgery continuing to provide services in Western Massachusetts at multiple hospitals, retiring only a few years ago. He also was an External Examiner in Surgery for final year students at the University of Guyana.
In addition to being a respected surgeon in the medical arena, Dr. Klautky was a pilot who enjoyed flying his Mooney single engine airplane, creating countless relationships and good friends during his flying years along with occasional trips to Guyana. He had a passion for art, classical music, especially operas, attending numerous performances at the Met, reading poetry, and he loved traveling throughout Europe, Asia and South America. His greatest passion, however, was his family. He cared deeply and provided any way possible for his family, which was rooted at a young age. To ensure a stable financial platform for his parents, family and source of income for education he interrupted his medical studies for two years and guided construction of a lumber mill in Guyana. Having a strong and confirmed Christian faith, he was a member of the Evangelical Covenant Church in Springfield, MA, and could be frequently seen studying his Bible. Above all, he was a devoted and loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend to all who knew him. Dr. Klautky, his wife Elaine and their sons were long-time residents of Longmeadow. He is survived by his sons Dr. Stephen and his wife, Dr. Trudee Klautky of Copley, OH and Mr. Peter and his wife Dr. Maureen Klautky of Wayland, MA; grandchildren Alexander, Jason, William and Kevin; brother Dr. David Klautky; and numerous other loving family and friends. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his beloved wife Elaine I. (Barratt) Klautky, and his brothers Dr. Robert Klautky, Ned Klautky, and John Klautky.
Family and friends are invited to gather for visiting hours on Saturday, January 15th, 2022 from 1:00-3:00pm, with a 3:00pm ceremony at Forastiere Smith Funeral & Cremation on 220 North Main Street in East Longmeadow. With the uncertainty surrounding the COVID pandemic, Albert’s family has plans for a remembrance ceremony later this year when the situation has changed; therefore, if you cannot attend the service Saturday, they look forward to being together in the near future to honor and share in gratitude for Dr. Albert Klautky’s life. Donations may be made in his memory to: St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis TN 38105 or to Alzheimer’s Association, 225 N. Michigan Ave, Floor 17, Chicago IL 60601. For more information or to leave an online condolence, please visit www.forastiere.com.