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Obituary of William J. Klein
William (Bill) Klein, beloved husband, father, uncle, grandfather and great-grandfather, passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by family, on Sunday, January 18, 2026, at the age of 98. He was predeceased by his loving wife of 66 years, Gina Klein.
Born on June 25, 1927, in Bridgeport, Connecticut, Bill was the son of Anna (Kosik) Klein and John Klein. He was predeceased by his brother, George Klein, and his sisters, Teresa Federoff and Agnes Minkiewicz.
Bill served in the U.S. Army, stationed in Germany at the end of World War II in 1945. He met Gina at a church dance in Bridgeport, and they were married in 1955, sharing a deep and enduring love of faith and family. Together, they were devoted members of Holy Rosary Church, where Bill served as a Lector and Eucharistic minister. Later, they joined the Neocatechumenal Catholic communities and were active members for 40 years through St. Raphael’s Church in Bridgeport, where they enthusiastically shared the message of Christ’s love.
Throughout his life, Bill had many interests and passions, including music, art, gardening, and making homemade wine—skills he learned from his Italian brothers-in-law. During his later years, music and prayer rejuvenated his spirit, especially singing along to Johnny Cash and Hank Williams. A mechanical engineer by profession, he was known for his ability to build and fix nearly anything, from repairing televisions and cars to home remodeling projects, always ready to help friends and family at a moment’s notice when called.
Bill often said how grateful he was for having his family close by. He is survived by his five children: John Klein (Ann-Marie); Deidre Williams (Doug); Damian Klein (Nancy); Adrian Klein (Jackie); and Matthew Klein (Sabrina). He also leaves behind 15 cherished grandchildren—Rachel Sobolewski, Sara Klein, Nicole Lilly, Caroline Fisher, Melissa Klein, Esther Pepicelli, Fr. David Klein, Christina Klein, Giovanni Klein, Michael Klein, Maria Daponte, Francesca Klein, Keara Klein, Neala Klein, and Liam Klein—and 10 great-grandchildren: Peter and Ray, Sam and Jack, Giulia and Matteo, Eliza and Diana and Beatrice and Samuele – plus many loving nieces and nephews.
Bill touched the lives of many and left a lasting impression on all who knew him through his humility, peacefulness and steadfast faith. He became known as the family member who offered blessings at weddings and family gatherings - and even as his memory faded, he continued to share heartfelt blessings at family events - including this past Thanksgiving.
The family extends their sincere gratitude to Bill’s caregivers for their unmatched extraordinary care and positive spirit, especially Beverly Clark for the past seven years and Anna Pastora for the past two and a half years. Their dedication provided Bill with love and dignity.
Friends are invited to attend a Funeral Mass on Friday, January 23, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Raphael’s Church, 162 Oak Street, Bridgeport. Entombment will follow at St. Michael’s Cemetery in Stratford. Calling hours will be held on Thursday, January 22, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at St. Raphael’s Church, the prayer service will begin at 6pm. Secure parking is available in the church parking lot. For more information and to leave online condolences, please visit www.abriola.com
To view the Mass on or after January 23, 2026 via livestream, click the following link: