Stanley Sheldon Klein

Stanley Sheldon Klein passed away on February 24th, 2021 at 89. He was born on June 7, 1931 in Brooklyn, NY. 

“Stan the Man,” as many affectionately called him, was one of the smartest people you could ever meet. Tough but sweet; he taught his children to always fight for what they believed to be right. He often said; “the squeaky wheel gets the grease” & “if you want something done right, do it yourself.” He was a true, blue New Yorker until the very end.

Stanley was a graduate of Peekskill Military Academy & then Columbia University in NY. He was a proud Korean War veteran.  Although he grew up in the city; Stanley was an avid outdoorsman who loved fishing, scuba diving and shooting. He was a talented photographer. He loved music, sushi, dancing, Asia, nature & adventure.

Stan spent twenty-five years in the Philippines. He established a successful business (Malibu Safety Systems) with Rosario Klein. They patented flame retardants, produced fire safety equipment, developed fire prevention programs, provided training and installed life-saving equipment in hotels, businesses, homes and schools. While in the Philippines, he joined the citizens’ police & worked hand in hand with law enforcement. His code name was “Jericho” and he was devoted to community service.

Upon returning to the US, he volunteered his time to children’s causes and became a veteran’s advocate. He volunteered at a children’s hospital & worked tirelessly with community organizations to outlaw the sale of harmful drugs at gas stations & other establishments.

He lived in New Port Richey, settling in a house on the water so that he could continue to indulge in some of his favorite hobbies: boating & fishing.

Stan was a fighter who, despite a myriad of health problems in his later years, conquered COVID.

He is preceded in death by his parents Irving Klein and Rosalie Klein, his youngest daughter Deborah Klein Balderama, his two sisters Marcia Kleinman and Theodora (Terry) Klein & his dear friend Van Halbreich. He is survived by his daughter Rowena Klein, her husband Dr. Leland Dao & her children Sarah and Adam of Santa Monica, California; his daughter Karen Klein Ricardo & husband Ronald Ricardo of Brooklyn, NY; his son Scott Klein of Largo, FL; lifelong friends Robert Rosenberg & Harry Delf of New York, long-time friend Lee Brand and best friend Cody Short, both of Florida. The family would like to thank Genesis of Sarasota then Westbay of Tampa (now known as Orchard Cove) for the care they gave Stan over the last four years.

Funeral services will be held at the Pavilion at Bay Pines Veteran’s Cemetery on July 27th at 11 am. All who knew Stan are invited. The family requests that in lieu of flowers; donations be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital or The Jericho Project or the Asian Pacific Fund in light of recent events that would have broken Stan’s caring heart. 

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