John Arthur Klein

John Arthur Klein passed away unexpectedly on August 24, 2022 at age 56. Born in Ann Arbor, Michigan on March 20, 1966, John lived most of his life in Raleigh, NC where he spent his career as an IT professional at NC State University until his retirement in 2019.

John would say (and he’d be right) that his greatest achievement was the creation of his daughter, Mary Klein. He was a loving parent and supported his daughter unconditionally.

John is the son of John (Jack) Klein and Katherine Shaffer, and stepparents, Leonard Shaffer and Carole Suzanne Klein. He is survived by his sister, Christine Browning (George Browning), his half-brother Andrew Klein (Annie Duffy Klein), and stepsister Robin Rooks (Scott Rooks). John was predeceased by his stepbrothers William Bradley Shaffer (Ingrid Shaffer) and David Michael Shaffer (Jessica Shaffer). He was a proud uncle to Katherine and Cooper Browning, Oliver Klein, Austin and Stephen Rooks, Rebecca Laviska (Colton), Jacob Shaffer, and Sarah and Esther Shaffer. John will be especially missed by his cousin Wendy Jogodka, and leaves behind many dear friends.

John was a graduate of North Carolina State University where he majored in Computer Science (minor in Physics) and completed his degree in 1994. John’s career at NC State University (1988-2019) coincided with a period of great change in the world of Information Technology (IT). Starting at a time when computing was first moving to the desktop, John’s work as an IT integrator and systems developer was instrumental in the technology revolution that put a computer on the desks (or in the laps) of the university’s students and employees and that automated many of the university’s processes throughout his career.

John felt strongly that technology should enhance our lives and make the world accessible to all. He worked to integrate technology with many aspects of daily life, and was particularly interested in computer-aided fabrication. He loved to tinker and was an enthusiastic supporter of the worldwide Maker movement. John was a tireless advocate for equality and actively supported gender equality, marriage equality, digital and privacy rights, and the right to vote.

A Memorial Gathering is scheduled for November 12, 2022, 2pm in Raleigh, NC. For more information and to RSVP, please see link under "Donations".

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to charities that John supported, the Electronic Frontier Foundation and Planned Parenthood, or to a charity of one’s choice.

Arrangements by Brown-Wynne, 300 St. Mary's Street, Raleigh.