Richard J. "Dick" Klein

Richard "Dick" J. Klein, 85, of Mattydale, passed away Tuesday, September 5th, at home on his 53rd wedding anniversary. Dick grew up on the North side of Syracuse where he graduated from Assumption High School. He was last surviving child born to the late John and Clara (Brown) Klein.

Dick was a veteran of the Korean War serving with the US Army in Japan. He retired in 1993 from Niagara Mohawk after 40 years as an Electrical Planner. Dick was a member of Pastime Athletic Club and coached for the Mattydale-Hinsdale Little League. He was a past President of Woody's Golf League at Brooklawn Golf Course where he was a longtime member. Dick volunteered for North Area Meals on Wheels and was a huge Yankees, S.U. and Giants fan. In his younger days, Dick was an avid bowler and played softball. He was a long standing parishioner of St. Margaret's Church where he acted as an Usher, a money counter, organized and ran the Parish Golf tournament and volunteered with many other parish activities. Most of all he was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, and friend and his greatest joy was being with family.

Dick was predeceased by his siblings, Irene and Ray Klein, and by his beloved pet, Babe.

Surviving are his wife of 53 years, the former Patti (Straub); their three children: Jackie (Bill) Jarvi, Jen (Bob) Gilmartin, both of Onondaga Hill, and Rich (Errin) Klein of Cicero; 9 grandchildren: Josh, Michael, Jack, Ryan, Sarah, Alexis, Tristan, Samantha, and Luke; several nieces and nephews; as well as his beloved rescue dog, Sparky.

Contributions in Dick's memory may be made to the S. P. C. A., St. Jude Children's Research Hospital-Memorial, Helping Hounds, or to Shiners' Hospitals for Children.

Friends may call on Sunday from 1 - 5 pm at Krueger Funeral Home, 2619 Brewerton Rd., Mattydale. A Prayer service will begin at the funeral home Monday at 9:15 am followed by a 10:00 am Mass of Christian Burial at St. Margaret's Church. Burial will be in Assumption Cemetery, Syracuse.