Stephen David Klein (Steve), 79, died peacefully on August 13, 2024, in Ponte Vedra Beach, FL. He bravely ended his 20-year battle with Parkinson’s disease. He was surrounded by his loving wife, Peggy Bolton Klein, and two children, Meredith Klein Plewke (Brooklyn, NY) and Jeffrey David Klein (Charlotte, NC).
He was born in Kansas City, MO on April 7, 1945, to mother (Anna Louise Zimmerman Klein) and father (George Frank Klein Jr.). He lived in Kansas and Oklahoma until his family moved to the Philadelphia suburbs where he was raised in Gladwyne, PA. He graduated from Harriton High School in Rosemont, PA, and the University of Pennsylvania with a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Architecture, where he was a member of the varsity lacrosse team and a member of Psi Upsilon fraternity.
Following college, he served in the U.S. Navy as a Second Lieutenant in the Vietnam War aboard a destroyer, USS Leary. After the war, he worked as an architect at American Medicorp in Philadelphia and Gresham Smith & Partners in Nashville, TN, before moving to Ponte Vedra Beach, FL where he was a partner in the Gresham Smith Jacksonville office. He specialized in designing hospitals.
Steve was a wonderful, caring, and selfless man who was devoted to his family and friends. In his younger days, he was an avid mountain climber, runner, and triathlete. He inspired his daughter to follow in his footsteps and become an architect. He greatly enjoyed scouting with his son, who became an Eagle Scout. His love of being outdoors and traveling led his family on many great adventures from which they have countless fond memories. Later in his life, he showed his talent as a nature photographer and painter. His paintings adorn the homes of many friends and family members.
Steve shared his life with his wife, Peggy, of 45 years. Their enduring love and friendship are a wonderful example of a true partnership. In addition to being survived by his wife, he is survived by his daughter and her husband (Aaron), his son and his wife (Lauren), and five grandchildren — Caleb, Emily, and Ethan Klein, and Aidan and Julian Plewke, a sister (Deborah Klein Walker) and her husband (Paul), brothers-in-law (Larry Bolton and Donald Bolton) and their spouses (Carmen and Valerie), and 9 nieces and nephews. He is preceded in passing by his brother, Jack Klein.
His life will be celebrated with family and friends on August 30, 2024, at 11 a.m. at Christ Church in Ponte Vedra Beach, FL. His ashes will be scattered at Mt. Washington in New Hampshire where he had many beautiful trips with his children and wife. Please visit his online Tribute at www.quinn-shalz.com.
