Jack Klein

Jack Klein passed away in Clearwater Beach, Florida, on July 21, 2026, surrounded by loved ones and holding the hand of the love of his life — his wife of 71 years, Ellie — while she told him how much she loved him. It was an extraordinary, beautiful end to an extraordinary, beautiful life.

Jack was born on December 26, 1930, in Brooklyn, New York, to Lou and Rose Klein (née Schorr). Jack excelled academically, earning high marks at Erasmus Hall High School, and earned a scholarship to New York University(NYU). Along the way, he met Eleanor Kalver at a mutual friend's Sweet Sixteen party. The rest, as they say, is history. Jack graduated from NYU. He enlisted in the Army during the height of the Korean War, graduating from Officer Candidate School and serving with distinction in the 41st Antiaircraft Artillery Gun Battalion, ultimately obtaining the rank of First Lieutenant. After his service, Jack returned to NYU for his law degree, working as a weekend manager at Howard Johnson's in Times Square to help make ends meet. He and Ellie married during law school and wasted no time starting a family. They welcomed their eldest, Richard, followed by Jeffrey, Michael, and Joni. The family moved to Valley Stream, NY, in the late 50s. Jack always put his family first and wouldn't dream of missing a Little League game or a music recital. He was a constant presence in the lives of his four children, ten grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren, in whom he took such pride and joy. Jack practiced law for more than 60 years, almost all of it from his office at 1650 Broadway, many of those years as a partner at Berman & Klein with his childhood friend Bob Berman. Jack remained an invaluable source of sage legal counsel to clients, friends, family, and fellow practitioners throughout his life. He had many passions outside of work, including gardening and his beloved New York Islanders. Watching the Islanders win four consecutive Stanley Cups was one of the greatest thrills of his life that didn't directly involve his family. Jack was an active member of the Jewish community. He was the President of Temple Hillel in North Woodmere, NY. During a serious fire that tore through the building, he ran in at personal risk to save the Torahs from burning. He coordinated President Ronald Reagan's monumental appearance at the synagogue. The speech is remembered as a testament to the U.S.-Israeli relationship and the impact on the 1984 presidential election. Through his involvement with Temple Hillel, Jack developed many friendships, including with Rabbi Morris Friedman and Rabbi Steven Graber. He was frequently consulted for his unparalleled knowledge of the temple's history. After 61 years in Valley Stream, they relocated to Clearwater Beach full-time. In Florida, Jack stayed active in Jewish life by attending services and events at Congregation Beth Shalom. He formed strong relationships with Rabbi Weizman and Rabbi Upbin and once again established himself as a pillar of the community. He davened every morning, and his knowledge of Jewish history and ritual was encyclopedic. Jack was proud of the four trips he made to Israel, most recently in 2009. 

Jack is survived and dearly missed by his wife, Ellie; their children Richard (Laurie), Jeffrey (Eileen), Michael (Colette), and Joni (Steven); grandchildren Justin, Ashley (Bill), Spencer (Chelsea), Sara (Chris), Jonathan (Rachel), Rachel (Anthony), Zachary (Amelia), Mark, Josh, and Evan (Cecelia); great-grandchildren Charlie, Lily, Sam, and Raina; brother Martin P. (Barbara); and countless nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, and friends.

The funeral service will be held at the Boulevard-Riverside Chapel in Hewlett, New York, on Friday, July 24 at 11:00 AM,  followed by a graveside burial at New Montefiore Cemetery.

 In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Temple Hillel of Valley Stream, New York, or to Congregation Beth Shalom of Clearwater, Florida.

Condolences for the family can be left in the guestbook below.

Heritage Funeral Care, David and Steven Gross Directors, Largo Florida are serving the family.