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STEVEN KLEPPER Ph.D.
STEVEN KLEPPER Ph.D.
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STEVEN KLEPPER Obituary
STEVEN, PhD
Passed away peacefully on May 27, 2013 from complications of melanoma at age 64. He died at home surrounded by his loved ones. He was born in Brooklyn, NY and received both his undergraduate degree and PhD from Cornell University. He began his career as a professor of economics at SUNY Buffalo where he met his wife Florence Rouzier. They moved to Pittsburgh in 1980 after he accepted a teaching position at Carnegie Mellon University (CMU). His commitment to teaching was legendary. Steven never missed a day of teaching in nearly 40 years as a professor. His introductory economics course at CMU was affectionately dubbed "Kleppernomics." He was a decorated teacher, receiving numerous distinguished teaching awards during his tenure at CMU. He authored over 100 peer reviewed articles and these articles have generated over 10,000 citations. He was the recipient of several prestigious career awards, including the Schumpeter Prize (2002), Arthur Arton Hammerschlag Chaired Professorship of Economics and Social Sciences (2003), an honorary PhD from the Friedrich Schiller University in Jena, Germany (2008), and the Global Award for Entrepreneurship Research awarded in Stockholm, Sweden (2011). Steven was a founding member of the Consortium for Competitiveness and Collaboration. His spearheading of this doctoral consortium 20 years ago spawned a cluster of thought leaders, representing a vibrant community of scholars in innovation and entrepreneurship. Steven was known for his biting humor and for being a fierce competitor on and off the tennis court. He is survived by his wife of 33 years, Florence Rouzier; son, Julian; daughter, Arielle; brother, James; uncle, Herbert; and cherished mother-in-law, Betty. The funeral will be held on Wednesday, May 29 at the Homewood Cemetery, 1599 South Dallas Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15217. Visitations will be held from 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.; funeral services will begin at 12:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Crossroads Foundation, 2915 Webster Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15219. Arrangements by RAPP FUNERAL HOME, 412-241-5415.
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Elizabeth Manus Gonzalez
June 22, 2013
Dear Florence, Arielle, Julian and Tante Eberthe,
Our hearts go out to you as you are in our prayers. Steve has touched so many lives and was an inspiration to his family members, his students, colleagues and friends. Everytime on the phone, tante Betty would tell us something nice about her beloved son in law Steve, who liked her cooking so much, who used to share the morning paper with her, leaving him the sport section.
I remember how my parents Linette and Léon always held Steve in high regard. They were delighted from their visit in Pittsburgh. Steve and Florence welcomed them with open arms. They particularly appreciated the fact that Steve was so considerate to speak with them in french and creole. My folks were very impressed:" Steve cet homme si cultivé, ce grand professeur était d'une simplicité rare. De bonne humeur et attentif, il faisait toujours en sorte que nous sentions à l'aise et confortables".
Steve will always be in our thoughts this simple but exceptional human being.
With love,
Liz Manus and family
May 30, 2013
our sincerest sympathies to you and your entire family Arielle.
Tom and Isabel
Terry Krulwich
May 30, 2013
As seen through my connection with his daughter Arielle, this is an all too early loss of an outstanding family man, as well as scholar and teacher. Please accept my condolences.
Timothy Devinney
May 30, 2013
Great Scholar, Great Guy, Great Teacher. Will be missed by his many global colleagues.
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Elliot Steingart
May 29, 2013
My memories of Steve are that of a youth soccer coach whom I looked at as a father figure. Steve possessed a great sense of humor, and a true patience dealing with our shennanigans on and of the soccer field. Even at a young age, 9 or 10 years old, Steve was someone who would listen, understand and care what you had to say. His passing is a true loss, and my thoughts are with the Klepper family.
Florence "Dot" Marsh
May 29, 2013
Dear Florence & Family
My Heartfelt Sympathy to you.
May 29, 2013
Dear Florence, Arielle and Julian,
We are so sorry to hear of the loss of your dear husband and father. Our love and affection go out to you at this sad time.
Kathy, Ed, Mara and Graham Friedman
Judy Gross
May 29, 2013
Dear Florence, Ariel and Julian,
We were so saddened to hear of Steve's passing. We have wonderful memories of him when Julian and Elliot were best little buddies and our families spending time together. Please know our thoughts are with you.
Tanya Majoris-Garrett
May 29, 2013
My father, Nick Majoris kept his family informed of Steve and his battle. We are saddened to hear of his passing. My Father adored him and cherished every moment they spent together. He will be truly missed. May you find comfort in knowing he is no longer in pain and that my Father, Nick will always hold him dear to his heart and we will as well. God Bless
Neal Siegel
May 29, 2013
Dear Klepper Family- As a Student, Teaching Assistant and Research Assistant for Dr. Klepper (Call me Steve!) I will always value Steve's educational generousity and guidance that he provided for me and my children....he will be remembered. Best Wishes- Siegel Family (H & SS 85)
Robert Mendelson
May 29, 2013
Professor Klepper will be sorely missed on the Carnegie Mellon campus. May he live forever in the hearts of his students, friends, and loved ones.
Barbara Sturni Long
May 29, 2013
Dear Florence and Family, I was sorry to learn the news about Steve. I recall the many delightful dinners we all shared and so enjoyed his company. Please accept my sincere condolences.
Andrew & Diana James
May 29, 2013
Dear Florence, Ariel,Julian
and Ms. Betty;
Death leaves a pain that no man, but God can heal.
Steven leaves all of you with a memory of love that no one can steal.
I pray for comfort and strength for you at such a difficult time.
Steven, rest in peace.
Susan Tanzer
May 29, 2013
Dear Florence, Ariel, and Julian,
We are so sorry for your loss . Steve will remain in our memories for his laugh, Dynamo travel soccer games, and his warm heart. He will be sorely missed.
Susan, Peter Tanzer and Family
Andrea Hinds
May 29, 2013
Steve was a good man and is greatly missed.
Nick Frollini, IM'97
May 29, 2013
Steven was the finest instructor I've ever known. As a first year student at CMU twenty years ago, his was the only class I never missed. I'd later act as a TA for him and almost did a PhD with him years later. The world is poorer for his passing, but thousands of his students will remember his lessons in "Kleppernomics" fondly. RIP, Steven.
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10940 Frankstown Rd., Pittsburgh, PA 15235
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