Ken Claunch

Ken Claunch, age 92, of Erie, died Friday, July 4th, 2025, at St. Vincent Hospital. He was born in Washington, D.C. on October 5, 1932, son of the late Charles K. and Lila Mae Pearce Claunch.

He received degrees in chemical engineering in the mid-1950s from Villanova University (BSc) and from the University of Notre Dame (MSc). After 2 years at Sun Oil Company, he co-founded a chemical catalyst company, Calsicat Company in Grove City, PA. Moving to Erie, PA, he evolved as the major owner and CEO of Finish Thompson, Inc (now FTI, Inc.) in Erie. He was granted several patents and traveled to Japan and Europe. At Finish Thompson he was the janitor and CEO at the same time, but was most proud of the following:

- The development of hazardous solvent waste stills that reduced the dumping on farmlands (common practice then) by over 8 million gallons in the USA.

- The formation of a chemical pump business utilizing first simple technology, then rare earth magnets that grew to become a significant USA pump manufacturer and now, is a major international pump manufacturer.

- Building a company that is a great place to work, that develops, manufactures and sells, a rare combination, of its own proprietary equipment.

“I had a fine and sharp first wife, Rae Marie, who did as wonderful a job as possible with our four, neat children. My three business partners were exceptional: Excellent chemical engineer (Marty Kapp), mechanical genius (Bob Way) and the best marketing guy (David Bowes). Hard not to be successful with such people on your side. Of equal importance, Bob and Tod, two friends in AA who helped me in huge ways in sobriety — changed my life!”

Ken deeply valued the enduring friendships that enriched his later years. He shared a close bond with Dr. Michael Antoon, as well as with his longtime friend Gib Loesel.

As he did in his teens Ken began sailing again. Racing on Lake Erie, Lake Michigan and in the Bahamas. During this time he worked, partied and sailed with the same passion as in his youth.

“Working and sailing; working and sailing! Then in my 50s, I was too busy to know that real life, love and people had passed me by; and then the brightest light shone on me — like a miracle. It was my spectacular wife Kathy who brought me love and fun I had never known. She was kind, intelligent, beautiful, energetic and gracious in every way. We loved, laughed,

argued, kissed and it just kept going on and on - the joy seemed endless! Combined with my improved maturity, we began nearly four decades of fun and adventures.”

Kathy and Ken were thrilled to have enjoyed seven trips to various European countries.

They cruised their Beneteau sailboat, with family and friends on Lake Erie, Presque Isle Bay, and various Canadian ports. For several years Thursday evenings were special, there was a standing invitation to family and friends for these evening sails. Anywhere from 2 to 15 would show up, for fun sailing and wonderful sunsets. They sailed Lake Erie, canaled down to Lake Ontario onto the Thousand Islands returning home by way of the fascinating Erie Canal. They later sold the boat and began numerous motorhome trips. The initial motivation was to see the country, not just from an airplane window. This was accomplished by a trip of 11,000 miles across the US, down the Pacific Coast from Vancouver to San Diego and back home. They enjoyed many short trips with grandchildren to Gettysburg, Niagara Falls & nearby campgrounds. The motorhome introduced them to Key West where they rented for two winter months for 20 years – Kathy playing bridge, Ken sailing, biking, dancing and enjoying the beach. During all this, “I was startled by her kiss and wonderful words. I would say to myself, “My God she really loves me; I must be OK!” I moved in her direction – never got there, but I was a far, far better person and so happy, and I came to realize, so was she.”

The recent pandemic years and age slowed us down to just wonderful ERIE. Ken sailed until age 92; thanks to a fine friend (Jim McBrier). “As we have through all of our adventures, we danced – at least once a day! The last dance was June 25th, 2025. Love is a great thing!”

Ken is survived by his beloved wife, Kathleen Fabian Claunch; friend and ex-wife Rae Marie Claunch and their four children, Chuck Claunch (Kathy Geiger), Kathleen Claunch, Karen Coppola (Andy) and Kristen Claunch as well as three very close stepchildren, Adrienne Levis (Rand), Aimee Nuara (Jason) and Alexandra Demarrall (Jon). He is further survived by twelve grandchildren, Michael, Matthew, Madeline, David, Jennifer, Mason, Alexis, Michael, Andrew, Justin, Noah, and Landon, and two great-grandchildren, Declan and Josie Rae.

Friends may call on the family on Sunday, July 20, 2025, at Burton Quinn Scott Cremation & Funeral Services West Ridge, 3801 W. 26th St., from 1 until 3 PM. Private burial will be in Gate of Heaven Cemetery.

The family requests those who wish to express sympathy to consider making a donation to their favorite charity.

Send condolences at www.BurtonQuinnScott.com.