Jonathan Kleemola Obituary

BEVERLY — Jonathan M. Kleemola, 19, son of Jonathan F. and Fay M. (Marshall) Kleemola of Beverly, died Friday, March 12, 2010 at Children's Hospital in Boston, following a courageous battle with his illness.

Born in Beverly, he lived here all of his life and was a graduate of Beverly High School, Class of 2008. He had attended Eckerd College in St. Petersburg, Fla. and also Salem State College. While attending high school, Jonathan excelled in football and lacrosse. He was a recipient of the Al Harrington Memorial Award for football, which is a player who demonstrated determination, skill and courage. He was also a recipient of the Coaches Award for lacrosse in his senior year. Jonathan achieved his first degree black belt in Kenpo karate. He was also a member of the 2002 Pop Warner Football Super Bowl Team.

Jonathan loved the outdoors and enjoyed fishing and boating, especially at his grandmother's camp in New Hampshire. He also loved family trips to Hawaii. He will be remembered as a "gentle giant" and a kind soul.

Surviving him in addition to his parents are two sisters, Noele M. Kleemola and Alli E. Kleemola, both of Beverly; his maternal grandmother, Nancy J. Marshall of Beverly; his girlfriend, Elise Panzner of Beverly; and many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. He was the grandson of the late Robert Marshall who died in 2007. He was also predeceased by his paternal grandparents, Lauri and Dorothy Kleemola.

ARRANGEMENTS: A funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. John the Evangelist Church, North Beverly, on Tuesday March 16 at 11 a.m. Relatives and friends are invited to attend. Visiting hours at the Campbell-Lee, Moody, Russell Funeral Home, 525 Cabot St., Beverly (North Beverly location) on Monday from 4 to 8 p.m. Contributions may be made in his memory to Children's Hospital Vascular Anomalies Clinic for Research on Lymphatic Disorders, 300 Longwood Ave., Boston, MA 02115. Information, directions, condolences at www.campbellfuneral.com.