Benjamin Klein

Benjamin Klein uncoupled from life on Sunday, July 26, 2026, at age 79 in Houston, Texas. Personal goals centered around Joyce, his lovely wife of 30 years, daughters, grandchildren, and extended family, along with care and advocacy for his mentally challenged sister, Kathryn. A 43+ year career in chemical engineering technology transitioned to enjoyment of simple retirement pleasures such as duplicate bridge, in which he attained rank of Life Master in only two years. Blessed with natural and nurtured memory skills, he accumulated a treasure trove of useless information, movie trivia, and annoyingly long stories. Ben was born on Wednesday, November 20, 1946, in Chambersburg, Pennsylvania (about 13 miles north of the Maryland border and 70 miles from Three Mile Island) to Paul and Edith Klein. Within two years, the family relocated to Pocatello, Idaho for a few years and finally settled in Batavia, New York. The Klein family, including a beloved shepherd mix named Fido (faithful), bounced between Batavia and nearby Alexander before settling in a rented home at 249 Liberty Street. Moving on from Jackson Elementary to Batavia Junior/Senior High School, Ben graduated as valedictorian of the 1964 BHS class. College education included Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and Purdue University (MS Chemical Engineering). After receiving a military draft notice, Ben enlisted in the US Army for three years beginning in 1970. A chance basic training interview with a Defense Intelligence Agency recruiter led to a course change from missile technician training to White House Communications Agency assignments at Camp David, Maryland, and Key Biscayne, Florida. Career stops in Los Angeles, California, Miami/Lakeland, Florida, and southern New Jersey preceded settlement in Houston, Texas (1976-1980 and 1987+). Ben met Joyce Plotkin Seigle at the Saltgrass Steak House just prior to his mom’s funeral in 1993. Joyce, a recent widow coming from a recreational dance class, had been invited to dinner by Ben’s sister-in-law’s stepfather who was also her bridge partner. If that sounds complicated, so be it. Caring for sister Kathryn Rae Klein (as legal representative) was challenging but so rewarding, as Kathy trusted him and clearly loved their frequent phone/video calls. In addition to his sister, Kathryn, he is survived by his brother, Peter Klein, wife, Cindy, and their son, Andrew. In addition to his wife, Joyce, he is also survived by daughters, Arden Seigle Burleigh and husband, Jack; Lindsey Seigle Slott and husband, Jordan; and grandchildren, Laine, Greg, Matthew, and Louis.

Benjamin Klein

November 20, 1946 - July 26, 2026