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Peter Klein Obituary
Peter A. Klein was the antithesis of a computer geek, despite the significant role that computers played in his life. The 35-year-old computer consultant, who once worked for I.B.M. and was working on a project for Marsh & McLennan on Sept. 11, had developed a natural programming language that would "enable the average Joe to write programs," said his mother, Ruth Klein, who plans to continue her son's pursuit of a patent. He met the woman his mother calls his soul mate — his wife of just over a year, Maria Lorena Briones — over the Internet, but the courtship that blossomed once they met could not have been more romantic.
At Peter Klein's memorial service, each of his three younger sisters shared her experience of him. He was the caring older brother to Anne, a childhood playmate for Lisa, and the only one who knew how to make Diana laugh even when she didn't want to.
The disbelief that he is gone has not yet left the people who loved him, least of all his wife. "She says that they were fated to meet," Diana Klein said, recounting her sister-in-law's sense of loss. "How could it end like this?"
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Eugene Tava
September 11, 2024
God Bless u Pete
I was watching the reading of the names this morning n ur name was read
I'm also from Weehawken
N will say a prayer tonight for
U n ur family
WE WILL NEVER FORGET
Klein Raymond
September 11, 2021
It is my deepest condolences to a fine family man who shares the same last name. I am from Grafton, Wisconsin
Anna Pedrotte
September 11, 2017
I am in Brooklyn, MI giving blood today. This event honors those whose lives were lost on 9-11-2001. They give out small bios of all those we lost that day. I received Peter's today. We will never forget. Praying for his family and friends, and donating in his honor today.
Mike Morin
September 11, 2016
Peter was an awesome young man, I loved working with him at IBM as a manager and friend. Thinking of him today and often.
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September 11, 2015
Today it is 14 years since Peter and many others were lost at the World Trade Center. I knew Peter at Bigfoot, where he worked in the mid-90s. I remember him as always laughing, so very bright, and kind. I have thought of him each year on this day, and always will. May he rest in peace. Shira.
Rick Hodges
July 7, 2014
Last night, my wife and I were talking about old times of living in New York, working at IBM, and friends. I said remember that guy we used to hang around with, he was over the house all the time.. Pete something... he watched the kids while we went to the Pochonos and went on vacation to Mich with me? "Peter Klein", my wife said, I replied, yea that was him, I wonder what he is doing these days? He was a brilliant programmer, I figured he probably started his own company or something, because that just sounded like Pete. I turned to Google to see if I could find him and thought it would be fun to reconnect after all these years. I found a photo of him and instantly recognized it, he looked the same just a bit older and the I clicked on the photo. I was speechless for about 10min while my wife kept asking what was wrong. I couldn't speak….
Pete was a friend and a colleague. We both moved to IBM Endicott around the same time and quickly became friends. He often came over for dinner with my wife and kids, my kids grew fond of him and called him PK. Pete offered to watch them for the weekend while I surprised my wife with a 10th wedding anniversary trip to the Poconos. I thought that was brave of him to watch our three kids but knew they were in good hands. We called Pete when we arrived to check on the kids and give him the hotel phone number. He put my son on the phone and I was telling him that we had a pool in our room. He replied "but you didn't bring bathing suits". I can still hear Pete laughing hysterically in the background. He kidded me about that for months and we both had a good laugh. I have told that story many times and it seems like it happened just yesterday. I took Pete on a vacation to Michigan that summer and we visited family in Detroit and my folks place at Houghton Lake. We had a great time and I can still remember sitting around the camp fire talking and joking. We were co-captains on an IBM basketball team, we were terrible but it was fun, however we decided to play softball instead.
I was a good programmer and Peter was brilliant. He convinced IBM management in Endicott to fund an object oriented SW project, unheard of back then. Pete took me under his wing and we worked on the project together for months. IBM Boca came to Endicott and was looking for a single programmer with Object Oriented experience to work on OS/2. This was a scarce skill in those days. Without the experience that I gained working with Pete, I would not have been qualified for this position. We moved to Boca shortly thereafter and then to Houston a few years later. The move to Boca allowed me to transition my career from Mainframes to PCs which then led to my position at HP, where I remain today.
Although we lost touch with Pete over the years, we have not forgotten. It's times like these that remind us that many people go in and out of our lives and as the years go by we realize what an important part many of them play. Rest in Peace, PK.
S J. Friscia III
April 16, 2014
In memory
With Honor & Respect.
Michael Ackaway
September 11, 2012
I worked with Peter at IBM in Kingston, New York. I remember his unmatched enthusiasm and how contagious it was. He was one of those people who always made you wonder how he could possibly be having so much fun at work. All these years later, I see that positive spirit of his being just as much about those around him having fun as it was for Peter, himself. What a gift he gave to us.
You're not forgotten, Peter.
Sincerely,
Mike
Allen Delmar
September 11, 2012
I am sitting here in my office, listening to the names of the 9/11 victims being read on the TV. Every year I take time out from whatever I may be doing to sit and wait for Peter's name to be read. I worked with Peter at IBM Kingston. We also played Volleyball and bowled on the same team together. I also remember Peter as a happy go lucky guy who was always thoughtful of his Family and Friends. A humorous note about Pete's bowling that I still talk about today, even though it has been over 20 years since we bowled together. Another friend that was on the team, Oscar Segura, nicknamed Pete's ball "The Mystery Ball", because it was a mystery where it would end up. I'll always remember Pete fondly, especially today. God Bless all of Pete's loved ones.
Sincerely,
Allen Delmar
Amanda Garceau
September 12, 2011
I remember you fondly from my childhood. Was very saddened when I heard the news. 10 years later I still think of you and all the innocent beautiful people lost that day. My heart goes out to you and your family.
Allison Lind
September 11, 2011
Thinking of you Peter today....we played volleyball together on the Pepperoni team. You made each game entertaining...RIP
Rod Tanner
September 10, 2011
Thinking of Pete as we reach the 10th anniversary of this tragic event. I knew Pete from my days at IBM in Endicott. Continued prayers for Pete's family and friends.
Doug Abraham
May 2, 2009
Happy Birthday!!!
Doug Abraham
May 2, 2008
Happy Birthday!!!
Doug Abraham
May 2, 2007
Happy Birthday!!!
P Tabbernor
November 25, 2006
In memory....
Kristine
November 2, 2006
As I stitched your name on the memorial that I am doing for all of the victims, I prayed for you and your family. Please know that your death was not in vain. We will always remember. God Bless.
Denny Refsnider
September 11, 2004
On the third anniversary of September 11, I am watching the events in remembrance of those who died that fateful day and thought of Pete. I worked with Pete in Endicott, N.Y.and I was always impressed with his enthusiasm and big smile. I offer my blessings and sympathy to his family.
Dan Griffith
October 27, 2002
I was saddened to hear that Pete was a victum at World Trade Center. I worked with Pete whan I was in kingston and then in Endicott. My thoughts continue to be with his family and friends.
Lorraine Cancro
September 11, 2002
God bless Pete. I know he is resting in Peace in Heaven with all the other heroes/ victims. He was a funny person who I enjoyed working with. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family on this day of Rememberence.
Linda Susberry
September 10, 2002
Dear Peter, I pray you are resting in peace with the other angels on 9/11/2001. I pray your wife, family and friends keep your spirit alive within their memories and hearts until you meet again. May peace be with us all during this difficult day of rememberence. I pray God continue to Bless US All!
Elizabeth Erdman
May 26, 2002
I worked with Peter on a project at Marsh, I worked in the Boston office. We met just once sharing two 30 minute cab rides and attending a meeting in Houston.
Peter made the long trip to and from Houston in a day so he wouldn't leave his wife overnight.
Peter was such a happy person, and so obviously in love. He told me about how he recently met and married the love of his life - our trip to Texas reminded Peter of passing through Texas on the way to Mexico during his courtship with Maria. We had a short presentation with the client, and Peter told the group all about these trips. It was clear Texas had a special place in his heart simply because it was part of his relationship with Maria.
I'm so sorry for your loss.
Lisa Jiardini
May 2, 2002
Happy Birthday, Peter! I feel bad that I never sent you a card last year so I hope this makes up for it. I keep thinking I'll get a call from you or an email. I can't erase your email address or snail mail address from my address book/email account. I miss you very much!
All my love,
your brat sister,
Lisa
Stu Frank
April 19, 2002
I worked with Pete at Marsh. After he met his wife (then his fiance), he often told me about the problems they were having with INS. It was clear to me how much he loved his wife. He was a really good guy, with a wonderful sense of humor. I think of bim often and miss him dearly.
Jean OReilly
March 14, 2002
God rest Peter's soul and my sincere sympathies to his family.
I was Peter's guest at the Klein's house for Christmas 7 or 8 years ago. I came across his picture through the CNN web site this week.
Peter has so much positive energy and enthusiasm for life that it is hard to believe he was lost in this horrible attack. It was good to read that he had found his soulmate and had the opportunity to experience the happiness that marriage brings.
My husband and I were both at the WTC when the attack took place also,and were able to get out ok.
The whole thing is so completely unfathomable.
God will take special care of someone like Peter who was a very kind person to all he met.
Jean
Christopher Gregory
March 11, 2002
Pete and I met at Clarkson University in 1984. We were both Physics Majors. Pete actually graduated with 2 BS degrees in 3 1/2 years. He was a very bright guy with a promising future. More than a dozen years after graduating from College, Pete was the only guy I still kept in contact with from Clarkson. He was a good friend who encouraged me during tough times and was always able to tell a joke and make me laugh. Since September 11 I ofter think about our College days. My memories are good ones. Pete will be sorely missed.
God Bless you Pete and rest in peace.
Chris
February 12, 2002
DEAR GOD SHINE YOUR LIGHT ON THIS BEAUTIFUL YOUNG MAN PETER A.KLEIN AND MAY HIS SOUL REST IN PEACE WITH GOD AND HIS ANGELS..GOD BLESS HIS FAMILY AND FRIENDS ESPECIALLY HIS WIFE AND MAY THEY NEVER FORGET 9/11/01..STAY CLOSE...GOD BLESS AMERICA AND NEW YORK ..MAY JESUS AND ST.PETER GREET YOU AT THE GATES OF HEAVEN..AMEN
Anne Pelto
February 7, 2002
Thank you to all who have left your thoughts. God Bless America. I want to thank all of you from Endicott IBM who have shared your memories of my brother Peter. For those of you who knew him really well, like Myriam and Sherry, we are sorry we could not find a way to get in touch with you. These shared memories mean a great deal to my family. Thank you again for taking the time.
Thank you to all who have left your thoughts. God Bless America.
Peter at the latest Family Get Together July 2001
Anne Klein Pelto
February 7, 2002
The following is Peter's obituary as published in the Poughkeepsie Journal.
On October 6, 2001 at 11:00am a memorial service was held for Peter Anton
Klein, 35, at St. Stanislaus Church, Main Street, Pleasant Valley.
Peter Klein of Weehawken, New Jersey, was a victim of the September 11, 2001
attack on the World Trade Center Towers in New York City. He was a dynamic,
jovial person who loved family activities in both the United States and
Mexico.
Raised in Salt Point, Peter attended Pleasant Valley Schools, and Arlington
High School where he actively participated in Marching Band and Wind
Ensemble. He also volunteered at the Pleasant Valley Library, teaching
computer courses during the summer months of his high school years. During
this time, he was an avid canoeist, and participated in many whitewater
races. He graduated from Clarkson University with degrees in Electrical
Engineering and Physics. In January of 2001, he was granted a patent from
the United States Patent Office for a Method and System for compiling source
code containing natural language instructions. Peter played volleyball as a
member of the New York Urban Professional Athletic League for many years.
Peter enjoyed flying, and was pursuing his pilot's license. He flew his
first solo flight this summer. At the time of his death, Peter was working
for MARSH, Inc. as a computer-programming consultant.
On August 12, 2000, Peter married his soul mate, Maria Lorena Briones in
Monterrey, Mexico.
Peter is survived by Lorena; his parents, Hans and Ruth Klein; his paternal
grandmother, Maria Klein; three sisters, Lisa Jiardini of Madison,
Wisconsin; Anne Pelto of New Orleans, Louisiana; and Diana Klein of Salt
Point; his nephew, Anton Pelto of New Orleans; seven aunts and uncles, Rosa
Newman of Wappinger Falls; Rosmarie and Donald Gross of Hornell, New York;
Henry Klein of LaGrangeville; Peter Klein of Indianapolis, Indiana; Thomas
and Christine Amman of Kingston, Washington; and many cousins.
Donations may be made in his memory to a scholarship fund set up to benefit
a graduating senior from Arlington High School who is an avid member of the
Admiral's Marching Band. Donations may be sent to the Peter A. Klein
Memorial Fund, P.O. Box 135, Salt Point, New York, 12578.
Joseph Gwizdaloski
January 28, 2002
Peter was a member of my team years ago in Endicott, New York at IBM. He had a fire and enthusiasm that few could match. I have often wondered what he was up to and accomplishing. He had an incredible strength for tackling the impossible and getting the job done. I will keep Peter and his family in my thoughts and prayers.
John Harris
January 7, 2002
I was a colleague of Pete when he transferred to IBM Endicott and was a neighbor as he had a home on the same street. I am deeply saddened, as I just learned he was a victim of the 9/11 atrocity.
Mike Morin
January 7, 2002
I was shocked and saddened to hear about Pete. I was Pete's Manager at IBM in Endicott New York. He was a pleasure to work with.... as someone once said to me having Pete on the Team was like having Ricky Henderson.. he was fast and very valuable. I lost touch with Pete over the years, but I have many found memories. My heart goes out to his wife and family.
Mark Lorenc
January 7, 2002
I too worked with Pete at IBM Endicott. We also played on the same softball team for several years. Pete was usually our catcher. His enthusiastic personality made him a great distraction to the opposing team's hitters. He chatted with them non-stop. My sympathies to Pete's family and friends.
Myriam Midy
January 4, 2002
I met Pete when we both worked in Endicott. We have been very good friends since and always kept in touch. I just found out about this, because of how bad I always was at staying in touch! He always made the effort... That's the kind of friend Pete was! I will miss him dearly!
Mike Ferro
January 3, 2002
I worked with Pete when he was in Endicott NY. I remember his spirited laugh most of all when I think of him. My sympathy and thoughts are with his family and all those who loved Pete.
Jim Kunz
January 2, 2002
My condolances go out to Pete's family. I also knew Pete from his days here at IBM in Endicott. I worked with Pete for a couple of years and am saddened to hear he was a victim of this. He was a live wire with a great laugh, he'll be missed.
Kenneth Klein
January 2, 2002
I just wanted to express my sorrow and hope your family can find the strength to continue on and flourish in life. May angels come to comfort you and uplift your spirits. God Bless you.
Sherry Whippo
January 2, 2002
I worked with Pete years ago in IBM Endicott. My heart and prayers go out to Pete's family and close friends for this tragedy.
Charlie Bryant
January 2, 2002
My name is Charlie Bryant, and I just found out recently that Peter was a victim of the WTC attacks. I attended Clarkson University in Potsdam, NY (very far upstate!) with Peter from 1985-1989 and we were in some of the same Computer Science classes together since we shared the same major. I remember him sitting in the computer lab room, often spending more time than the rest of the computer students, working on his own homework assignments, helping other students as a lab assistant, as well as working for the I/S department of Clarkson as well. He always seemed to be in a good mood and was always willing to answer questions people had (even myself a couple of times) about various programming issues. He always seemed to have his act together and was a great programming student.
Peter went on, as I did, to graduate with a B.S. in Computer Science from Clarkson U. and got a job with IBM in Kingston, NY as a programmer, and I did the same with IBM in Endicott, NY where I am employed today. He eventually moved to IBM in Endicott and was recognized as a valuable programmer in the same division as myself. Similar to my Clarkson days, I would seem him in the halls always walking with a cheery mood and a positive directive.
I was not close friends with Peter, but I interacted with him enough to know he was a decent, well-meaning, and productive individual who unfortunately became an innocent victim of senseless and absurd terrorism in our modern world. He'll be missed as a co-student and as a co-worker. We'll be thinking of him and all the victims of September 11. who are now in the hands of God.
Debby Kline
December 30, 2001
I am a Kline by marriage. Originally ours was spelled Klein. So we our bound only by a name and now a tragedy. I am thinking about Peter and all of the people touched by his life. My thoughts and good wishes go out to each of you. Although the anguish never goes away, I hope you find some peace in knowing that others care and are thinking about Peter and his relationships with each of you. We always have unfinished issues with loved ones and acquaintances when they are torn away from us like this. Be it the disagreements we have had to trying to remember the last time we told someone that we care. Try to let that part of your grief go by knowing that there are thousands of individuals around the world who are being more diligent in caring for their loved ones and appreciating them daily because of the loss of Peter and all of the individuals touched by these events.
Debby Kline
Debby Kline
Teresa Jahn
December 26, 2001
America Cries
We see your sorrow-
and our hearts cry....
We can not erase your pain
but you do not have to face the anguish alone-for we-
-the American people-
are beside you.
We so desperately want to have the touch that brings you comfort,
the strength that gives you courage,
and the words to lighten your spirits.
And when we are left speechless
may the silence of our nation weave love into your hearts
to ease your sorrow.
May you find healing through our nation's strength as we-
-the American people-
face this difficult time together. Our hearts are with you. Teresa Jahn
Dixon, IL
valerie geib
December 11, 2001
Peter's name is on my mercyband. I
want to let his family know that I
am praying for them daily. May the
God of Peace touch and heal your hearts and lives.
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