Steven David Klein

Steven David Klein was born on September 2nd, 1953 in Budapest, Hungary. He was the only child of Sandor Klein and Susan (Fleissig) Klein. Steve lived his very early childhood in Hungary until his family fled from the Soviet occupied country in 1956. Desperate for a better life, Steve’s parents escaped across the border with a sleeping Steve hidden in a backpack. 

After arriving in the US, Steve and his family lived in Massachusetts for a few years, until they moved to Lakeside in Southern California where Steve spent most of his youth. He excelled in both academics and sports and was very involved in boy scouts, and achieved the rank of eagle scout. During his time as a scout he was selected to attend the launching of Apollo 13 in Cape Canaveral, FL. After high school Steve attended California State University, Long Beach. He graduated cum laude with a BA in history in 1975 and obtained his Master's Degree in public administration from CSULB in 1977.

Steve's work overseeing Financial Aid and Enrollment offices at various colleges and universities took him all over the country. Always eager to encourage others, he also acted as a mentor to people interested in higher education. Eventually Steve retired in Charleston, SC where he lived with his wife and their five beloved rescue cats.

In his personal life, Steve had a love for history, classic rock, sports, and anything chocolate. On Saturday mornings you could be certain he was at home in his favorite chair with a cup of tea, watching college gameday with one of his cats, Sylvester, curled up on his lap. As he got older he started to take a big interest in the environment and waste reduction. He made a massive effort in reducing waste, recycling, and composting, inspiring others to do their part as well. Health and fitness were also extremely important to him and he rarely missed a day of running or lifting weights.

Above all else his family was the most important thing to him. He was a devoted son, husband, and father. While he was successful in many areas, these were the things he considered his biggest achievements. He was a quiet and humble person and always put the needs of others above his own. His graciousness, kindness, and devotion will not be forgotten.

Steve was preceded in death by his father, Sandor Klein and his mother, Susan Klein. He is survived by his wife, Bernardine Klein, his daughter, Kelli Klein and two cousins.

Donations in his memory can be made to Alzheimer's Association (www.alz.org) and Alliance to End Plastic Waste (www.endplasticwaste.org)