William J. "Mr. Nice" Klink

William Joseph "Bill" Klink, 83, passed away peacefully at Auburn Community Hospital on July 16, 2025. Bill was born on January 14, 1942 and grew up in Auburn. He was preceded in death by his wife of 55 years, Betty Penna Klink, and his parents Joe and Peg Klink.  He is survived by his sister, Barbara Calimeri, and several nieces and nephews. Bill graduated from Mount Carmel High School in 1959 and attended Auburn Community College. He served in the U.S. Army and after his discharge built a career at Red Star Express Lines, retiring after 36 years. He enjoyed golf and spending winters in Pompano Beach, Florida. Bill was also a member of the Auburn Lodge of Elks, the Utopia Club, and the American Legion Swietoniowski-Kopeczek Post 1324. Around town, Bill was known as "Mr. Nice", a nickname he acquired as a frequent patron of Snapper's Sports Tavern, where he also bartended after retirement.

There will be no calling hours, per his wishes. A Mass of Christian burial will be offered on Saturday, July 26, at 1 pm, in St. Mary's Church. Burial will follow in St. Joseph's Cemetery, Fleming.

The family would like to thank the staff of Finger Lakes Center for the Living, Interlaken Unit, for their compassionate and loving care of Bill.

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