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KLEIN - Robert J., P.E., December 3, 2015, of East Amherst, NY, beloved husband for 48 years to Susan (Babinsky) Klein, F.N.P.; loving father of Christopher (Michelle) and Andrew Klein; cherished grandfather of Lauren and Christopher; brother of Nancy Wright, Beverly Ryan and Deborah Flierl; loving uncle to many nieces and nephews. Friends may call Friday 2-6 PM at the LESTER H. WEDEKINDT, INC. FUNERAL HOME, 3290 Delaware Ave., where Funeral Services will be held at 6 PM. In lieu of flowers, please consider a gift to the Wounded Warrior Project, PO Box 758518, Topeka, KS 66675-8518.
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Kathleen (Kathy) Bell (DeLoughry)
This article appeared in the Buffalo News on December 11,2015.
Robert J. Klein, Engineer, Air Force Vet, Youth Leader
March 8, 1946 – Dec. 3, 2015
Robert J. Klein, 69, of East Amherst, a building systems engineer, died last week while on a business trip in Chautauqua County.
Born in Buffalo, he was a 1963 graduate of Kenmore West High School and was captain of the swimming team. He earned a bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering at the University at Buffalo and received his master’s degree in administration/management engineering from George Washington University.
A member of Air Force ROTC in college, he served in the Air Force from 1968 to 1977 and was with the Air Force Reserve for more than 20 years. A lieutenant colonel, he was stationed at Columbus, Ohio; San Antonio, Texas; and the Pentagon in Washington, D.C., where he served in the office of an assistant secretary of the Air Force.
Returning to the Buffalo area, he joined his father-in-law, Edmond Babinsky, in his Amherst engineering firm, which became Babinsky-Klein Engineering in 1985. He served as president until 1997, when the company merged with Clark Patterson Associates, a Rochester architectural design and engineering firm. He continued as head of the Amherst office until 1999. In 2000, he became president of the New York Division of Invensys-Pritchett, a building system contractor. It was acquired in 2006 by the former Building Controls and Services, now SmartEdge, in the Town of Tonawanda, where he was serving as general manager for energy and commissioning.
Mr. Klein was a graduate of Leadership Buffalo and was former chairman of the board of directors of Gateway-Longview. He also was chairman of the Administrative Council and a youth leader at Williamsville United Methodist Church.
He traveled every year with this family to Hilton Head, S.C., and Walt Disney World in Florida. He enjoyed camping, golf and poolside reading.
Survivors include his wife of 37 years, the former Susan Babinsky; two sons, Christopher and Andrew; three sisters, Nancy Wright, Beverly Ryan and Deborah Flierl; and two grandchildren.
A memorial service will be held at 6 p.m. Friday in Lester H. Wedekindt Funeral Home, 3290 Delaware Ave., Town of Tonawanda.
Paul Widmayer
The other day, as my wife Kathy was reading the newspaper she said, "Paul, don't you know a Bob Klein?"
My immediate response was, I sure do. He's about the nicest guy you'd ever want to meet! Now that's how we can remember him forever.
Paul Widmayer
Barbara Washington (Booker)
I remember Bob from High school.. He was a hansome, fun guy. He liked everybody!! Sorry to hear he has passed. Bless him!
Rita Bostwick (Masterson)
I'm very sorry to hear of Bob's passing. May his family bestrong in their time of grief.
Pamela Miller
I remember Bob vividly. He was an exceptionally sweet guy, unassuming, and kind... and unusually mature for a high school boy. What a loss for his family and those all those who knew him. Pam Miller