Richard Louis Klein

Richard Louis Klein, 78, of Wellington, Florida passed away on Thursday, June 22, 2023. Richard was born as a twin with his brother Robert, on March 21, 1945, just as the war was ending, in a doctors' hospital in mid-town Manhattan. His parents, Louise Burger Klein and Oscar Klein were refugees from Munich, Germany. They were among the lucky Jews who had relatives and acquaintances in the U.S. and Britain to sponsor their emigration and escape. Richard heard many harrowing stories of close calls and the horrors of Nazi Germany. His parents and grandparents never let him forget what they went through and their rescue in America.

Richard grew up in the Ridgewood section of Queens, NY, heavily populated by Germans. He went to elementary school in Ridgewood, PS 93, Grover Cleveland High School, and Queens College, NYU and Adelphi University, earning a master's degree in math education. At the time of the Vietnam War, Richie enlisted in the New York State National Guard, taking basic training in El Paso, TX. He had a few jobs in wholesale clothing but ultimately made his career as a math teacher in Long Beach, NY. His wife, Wendi, was also in that school system, teaching science in both the high school and middle school. Both Richard and Wendi cultivated a strong network of friends within the school system.

Both his children were raised in Long Beach, went to schools there, and to universities outside of NY, Wisconsin and Michigan, with opportunities to look beyond the Long Island they were used to. He was so proud of both. And son Phil was a varsity wrestler at Michigan as well as an excellent student. Jenn not only excelled in Madison but continued her education with a master's degree from U of Pennsylvania.

Eventually, both children took wonderful spouse, Scott and Shayna, whom they met at university. Grandchildren followed--Jude, Kyle, Elle, Brooke and Abby. They were the apple of his and Wendi's eye.

The family experienced mobility that is testament to the opportunities we as Americans enjoy. They started married life in an apartment in Long Beach, then to a small house, progressing to a much bigger house. Ultimately, they chose Village Walk in Wellington for a place to retire. Wendi and Richie, along with their great friend Mike, enjoyed Florida living and being near some of the grandkids.

Sadly, after many years of retirement, Richie's health became a challenge--kidney and heart issues; those ultimately took his life.

So, we are here to celebrate that life, well-lived and with devoted family and friends.

Funeral Services and Burial for Richard will be held 10am, Sunday, June 25, 2023 at IJ Morris at Star of David of the Palm Beaches, 9321 Memorial Park Road, Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33412.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Richard's memory may be made to Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, https://www2.jdrf.org/site/TR?fr_id=8892&pg=personal&px=9181772

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.starofdavidfunerals.com for the Klein family.