Dr. Bruce G. Klonsky
Dr. Bruce G. Klonsky, a devoted SUNY Fredonia psychology educator and researcher for more than 40 years, died July 6, 2022, at a hospital in Pittsburgh, Penn.
Bruce was the eldest son of Sam and Gertrude (Trudy) Klonsky of Bronx, NY. They raised Bruce just a few elevated train stops from Yankee Stadium, inspiring a lifelong passion (personal and professional) for the sport.
After winning several “Good citizenship” Citations in elementary school, surviving high school bands and a then-boys high school (DeWitt Clinton), Bruce completed his bachelor’s degree in psychology at Herbert Lehman College in 1971. He received a Ph.D. in psychology from Fordham University, where his behavior exemplified the values of that Jesuit university.
He taught at West Virginia University for one year before joining the Department of Psychology at SUNY Fredonia in 1979. He was always very appreciative of his academic and life mentors.
Dr. Klonsky contributed to the SUNY Fredonia campus and community in many ways.
He was a creative and grateful teacher and research mentor to many motivated students. His own research focused on leadership, social and personality development, and multiple aspects of sport psychology. He was advisor to Psi Chi, the International Honor Society for Psychology students for 25 years. He was a volunteer counselor at the SUNY Fredonia Counseling Center for two years. He also received several grants from the Carnahan Jackson Humanities Fund for campus community projects honoring those who had experienced severe adversities such as family violence and sexual abuse, military stress, and physical and mental health challenges. Dr. Klonsky was very active in the Association for Applied Sport Psychology, where he achieved both a valuable certification as a mental performance consultant and an honorary appointment to Fellow Status for his contributions to the field of Sports Psychology. the sport
To Dr. Klonsky enjoyed making a positive difference in the lives of others through compassionate guidance and respectful collaboration. His unique combination of calm demeanor, wry sense of humor, positive character, courage and resilience made him an invaluable resource to his students, his university and the wider community.
He is survived by his partner, Sandra; his daughter, Taylor; and his brother, Steven.
A celebration of Bruce Klonsky’s life is scheduled for September 30, 2022 at SUNY Fredonia’s Williams Center from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m., offering time to gather, enjoy light refreshments, and share memories that stand out his unique personality and impactful life. . If you want to attend, let us know if you prefer to do it in person or virtually by sending your answer to Psychology by email. Department@fredonia.edu, designator“September Tribute to Bruce Klonsky” in the subject line. At this time, please notify the Department of Psychology if you would also like to request the opportunity to speak about Dr. Klonsky during the celebration.
A “Bruce Klonsky Psychology Scholarship” An endowment fund has been established to provide an annual scholarship for a SUNY Fredonia psychology major who meets the eligibility criteria for the scholarship. Contact the Community Foundation For Greater Buffalo website at cfgb.org if you would like to donate and/or learn more about the scholarship fund.
