Eugene J. Klumpp Sr.

Eugene J. Klumpp Sr. of Bayonne, New Jersey peacefully passed away with his loving family at his side on March 11, 2025 at the age of 79. He was born on November 16, 1945 in The Margaret Hague Maternity Hospital where he grew up in Jersey City, New Jersey.

He attended Snyder High School in Jersey City, New Jersey.

He worked as a Teamster Local 560 Truck Driver for Red Star Express Lines.

He was actively involved in Bayonne Little League, Bayonne P.A.L, Hudson County Baseball Umpires Association, District #7 Little League Association of New Jersey and the founder of Klumpp’s Umps.

He was preceded in death by his Father Edward Klumpp and Mother Irene (Stawicki) Klumpp, Brothers Edward Klumpp and Phillip Klumpp, Sisters Elaine (Klumpp) McConnell and Lucille (Klumpp) Laba, Son Darrin Klumpp and Grandson Eugene “EJ” J. Klumpp III who is survived by children Eugene and Julia and partner Caitlin Hoffman.

He is survived by his Brother John Klumpp, Sons Eugene J. Klumpp Jr. and his wife Kimberly (Foley) Klumpp and William Klumpp and his wife Dawn (Maki) Klumpp, Grandchildren Michael, Josh, Ryder, Joshua and fiancee Megan Levy, Danielle, Grace, Kayla, Desiree, Jade and partner Eric Convissar. He is also survived by his nieces and nephews and his 4 other great-grandchildren Jace, Caroline, Londyn, and Harlee.

The family would like to thank Dr. Cardenas, Dr. Rodriguez-Paz and the staff at HCA Woodmont Hospital in Tamarac, Florida as well Mari Simbaco for the care, compassion, and friendship they showed our loved one in his final days.

Family and friends are invited to attend a Funeral Mass to be held on Saturday April 26, 2025 at 11:00 AM at St Mary, Star of the Sea, Roman Catholic Church located at 326 Avenue C, Bayonne, NJ, 07002.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making an in memory donation in his honor to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

He was a passionate mentor, dedicating countless hours to training and guiding aspiring umpires alongside his longtime partner, Mike “KILL THE UMP” Lynch, throughout Hudson County. He and Mike umpired several Hudson County and State championship games. His commitment and expertise were recognized when he was invited to umpire in both the Little League Baseball World Series in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, and the Little League Softball World Series in Portland, Oregon.

Beyond umpiring, he devoted years to coaching and youth sports, serving as a coach and commissioner in Bayonne Little League and as a board member of Bayonne P.A.L. basketball. In recognition of his years of service to Bayonne Little League, a field was named in his honor (Gene Klumpp Stadium). A talented athlete himself, he played softball as a pitcher, competed in bowling leagues, various basketball leagues and was an enthusiastic participant in poker tournaments. During his career as a truck driver, he took part in truck rodeo competitions and earned the respect of his peers as Shop Steward at Red Star Express Lines for several years.

He had a lifelong love for classic cars, and in retirement, he took great pride in his 1955 Chevy Bel Air, which he enjoyed showcasing at car shows and Doo-Wop events. A devoted music lover, he found joy in Doo-Wop tunes and Sunday polkas on the radio. During the holidays, he was sure to bring out his ukulele or accordion for all to sing along. Always up for a laugh, he was known for his resourcefulness—if something needed fixing, duct tape was his tool of choice, and if it didn’t move, he'd probably paint it.

He loved being on the water, spending countless hours fishing on his boat and sharing his legendary fish tales. Travel was another passion, and he was an active member of a cruise club, always looking forward to his next adventure. In his younger years, he could often be found unwinding with friends at Ocean Eddie’s, The Show Boat, Cavanaugh’s, The Venice, or The Vic.

A true entertainer at heart, he was the life of any party, never missing a chance to perform his signature solo of "Make the World Go Away" by Eddy Arnold. To his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, he was lovingly known as “Pop Pop.” He could be found teaching the kids how to play cards, sharing stories about baseball trading cards, pitching quarters, or sneaking treats to the beloved family pets. He was always ready to sit down and talk about baseball, music, or politics. If he knew you well, you might be affectionately called "Boo Boo" or "Ya Ya," and if you were one of the kids he coached, you might even be asked to give a "Yeay" in return.

His presence was larger than life, his stories unforgettable, and his impact immeasurable.