Name: Viewing for Simon Kleinman
Start: 2017-10-02T20:00:00.000Z
End: 2017-10-03T00:00:00.000Z
Location: Alameda Family Funeral & Cremation, Inc. - Saratoga

Simon "Sy" Kleinman

June 16, 1921 ~ September 12, 2017

Sy died at peace at his residence in Saratoga, California.
"Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Sailor"
Simon Kleinman was a man of many talents and interests. Born and raised in the Bronx, NY, Sy was the youngest of five and the 1st generation American in his family who immigrated from a small village in Poland now known as Warsaw.
Serving as a soldier in the U.S. Army during WWII, Sy was bound for the Invasion of Normandy in June 1944, Fate, however stepped in as he became ill and was held back. Sadly none of his platoon survived.
After his discharge from military service he drove out west to seek opportunity, arriving in San Francisco, CA in 1947. He worked various jobs in sales but found his ultimate calling in the automobile business. Starting out as a salesman on a used car lot in the outer Mission District of San Francisco in the mid 1950's, he was chosen by Ford Motor Company to manage and ultimately own a new Ford dealership in San Jose, California in 1969. The grand opening for his dealership, Capitol Ford Inc. of San Jose was in 1970 and Sy remained its President with sons Larry and Paul beside him at the helm for 33 years before retiring in 2001.
World traveler and teller of stories and jokes extraordinaire, Sy was a self-made man, well regarded and recognized amongst his professional peers and within the community.
His other great passion was sailboat racing. Sy was an avid sailor and owner of two award winning boats, Swiftsure "Big Blue" and Swiftsure II. This September 14-17, 2017 his crew won yet another one for the Skipper! This first place win marked his 7th class win since 1990 and his 36th year of competing in the Big Boat Series.
Sy's other races included the Transpac and Pacific Cup(to Hawaii), the Kenwood Cup (in Hawaii), and races to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico.
One of Sy's favorite sailing toasts.
Slåinte Gaelach ~ An Irish Toast.
Here's to cheating, stealing, fighting and drinking
If you cheat, may you cheat death.
If you steal, may you steal a woman's heart.
If you fight, may you fight for a brother.
And if you drink, may you drink with me.
Devoted husband to his late wife Phyllis Mae Kleinman for 60 years.
Father to his sons, Laurence Hernandez, daughter in law, Kristi, Elliot Kleinman, daughter in law, Afi, Paul Kleinman, daughter in law, Debra and daughter-in-law Joyce Kleinman.
His legacy continues with his grandchildren, Jenni Kleinman Berebitsky (Jeff), Scot Kleinman (Shannon), Rob Kleinman (Gerri), Leslie Hernandez Dinneen (Jon), Alex Kleinman, Mark Hernandez (Beverly), Asher Kleinman, Alec Kleinman, and Ari Kleinman and great grandchildren Wyatt Kleinman, Philip Berebitsky, Violet Kleinman and Skah Kleinman
Sy is survived by his first wife, Ruth Kleinman
Preceded in death by his beloved wife Phyllis, parents, Yankel and Tzriel Kleinman, his brothers Gabriel "Scrilic", Samuel, Henry "Noyach" and sister Rose Weithorn.

Friends and family are invited to attend any of three viewings of Sy on Monday, October 2nd 1PM to 5 PM, Tuesday, October 3rd 5PM to 9PM and Wednesday, October 4th 9 AM to 1PM Alameda Family Funeral Parlor 12341 Saratoga-Sunnyvale Rd. Saratoga CA 95070
Friends and family are invited to the graveside Interment Service to be held at 2 PM on Friday, October 6th at Madronia Cemetery, 14766 Oak St. Saratoga CA 95070 where Sy will be laid to rest next to the love of his life, Phyllis. The service will be followed by a reception hosted by his family in Saratoga.
On the following day Sy's family will hold a private ceremony out to sea past the Golden Gate Bridge to spread his ashes over the waves where he spent so many happy moments on his boats.
Fair winds and following seas, Simon. You will be greatly missed.
Those wishing to donate to causes dear to Simon's heart on his behalf: The Disabled Veterans National Foundation, Lanham, MD 202-737-0522. Or The Simon Wiesenthal Center, Los Angeles, CA ~ 800-900-9036
Please notate that you wish your donation placed under Restricted Funds so that 100% of the proceeds go to the people who need it most.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by San Francisco Chronicle from Sep. 29 to Oct. 2, 2017.

Memories and Condolences
for Simon Kleinman

Sponsored by Alameda Family Funeral & Cremation, Inc. - Saratoga.

6 Entries

Winston Franklin Chew

September 16, 2022

I am a better person today because of my association with Mr. Kleinman . It was a privilege to have been picked to work for him. It was good to see and learn from an honest and sincere man . He was a very good listener and shared many very interesting stories. He was kind and generous to many people . Yes - GOD truly blessed Mr. Kleinman ! Winston

One of my last pictures of Mr. Kleinman.)

WINSTON CHEW

November 11, 2019

Mr. Kleinman. He is one of my favorites. A big brother. A hero. A one of a kind . He shared many good examples for me to learn and practice. He is very hard to forget ! I was richly blessed with my time with him. Winston Chew

Kevin Storm

April 11, 2018

Rest in peace my friend. I was honored to not only race with Sy in the San Francisco Big Boat Series (The Rolex Cup) on the plastic fantastic Swiftsure 2, but also to sail recreationally with him and even helm (an honor reserved for a rare few) on the original aluminium Maxi, Swiftsure. This rare honor is something I'll never forget, as is Sy, somone I will never forget.

Fair winds and safe passage Skipper.!
RIP

January 26, 2018

My father worked for Sy at Capitol Ford years ago. Sy invited me to join him on the boat one weekend and we sailed all around the San Francisco bay. Its something I'll never forget. My father also died this year. Both will be missed.

Winston Chew

October 6, 2017

Mr.Kleinman-a title earned for respect-Mr.Kleinman. I admire Mr. Kleinman for the care he provided for Mrs. Kleinman during her illness-even when he himself needed major medical assistance.Mr. Kleinman managed his affairs with the help of many helpers and operated out of his vest pocket .Only in this nation can a nobody become a somebody. His story is like millions of people in this country.-hard work-purpose-planning and dumb luck (reality check-blessing by God).Mr. Kleinman shared many great memories of the day and secrets that will remain secret. Mr. Kleinman

Winston Franklin Chew : ) <

October 5, 2017

Mr.Kleinman-this man will always be Mr. Kleinman-this older brotherby twenty years merits the title Mr.Kleinman. Only in this country could a nobody become a somebody. His story is one of millions of people in this country who have worked hard and never gave up. It was my privilege to be part of his latter years. He really cared alot for Mrs.Kleinman in her needs and comfort at home with a great care giver team-though he had another team keeping him going with all his own issues. What a great Guy! Mr. Kleinman
Winston Franklin Chew : ) <

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