JAY TODD KLETSKY Jay Kletsky passed away Wednesday, June 5, 2019, in Chicago, Illinois, after a battle with cancer. The amount of pain he endured typifies the strength of a Marine. He was 37 years old. Born in Kansas City, Missouri, he was the beloved son of Bruce and Carlotta and loving brother of Jon and Robert. He moved to Naperville, Illinois, 25 years ago and graduated from Naperville Central High school. Jay proudly served our country as a corporal in the United States Marine Corps. An intelligence analyst working with the Department of Defense, he was stationed in Okinawa, Japan; Seoul, South Korea; and then Banger Airforce Base, Afghanistan. After 9/11 he initiated, and played a significant role in, a 50-member security force team. He was the lead analyst for anti-terrorist units that successfully dismantled the Afghanistan Taliban. After his tour, he attended College of DuPage and the University of Maryland military program. Jay was introduced and fell in love with the Asian art form of Bonsai. The Bonsai community and culture meant everything to him. He was extremely proud of his accomplishments, especially his Japanese maples. Jay’s love, smile, humor and intellect were infectious. He was loved by all and will truly be missed. Memorial Services will be privately held. Donations to Chicago Botanical Garden, Bonsai Collection, 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe, Illinois 60022, in memory of Jay Kletsky are appreciated, in lieu of flowers. Funeral arrangements entrusted to Modell Funeral Home, 630-852-3595 or www.modelldarien.com.