Eugene Klein, 78, of West Chester, PA, passed on December 31, 2020, after a short but noble battle with brain cancer. He stayed himself until the end with his gentle spirit, generosity, and trademark humor. Gene was born October 2, 1942, to Esther and Morris Klein in Philadelphia, PA. After graduating from Northeast High School in 1960, he went on to study Music Education at Temple University undergraduate school and Indiana University graduate school. He taught music with the Philadelphia School District for one year before joining West Chester University in 1966 where he enjoyed a 37-year career. While at WCU Gene taught string music, served as Undergraduate Coordinator for the School of Music, and was awarded the honor of Professor Emeritus. Most importantly, he mentored thousands of students and made lifelong friendships with fellow faculty and staff. He loved hearing from past students who found success in their own careers thanks to his guidance and support. He spent over 30 years playing cello with the Delaware Symphony where he was proud to have shared the stage with a range of talented musicians, conductors, and friends. After retiring from WCU in 2003, he spent his time helping others and pursuing his passions. He could be found at the West Chester YMCA every morning swimming laps before attending one of his volunteer positions at the Chester County Hospital, Barclay Friends, or playing his cello for local hospice patients. He took pottery and Spanish classes, was a chamber music trio member, and played with the Orchestra Concordia. He is survived by his wife of 47 years, Margaret Hulnick Klein; daughters Elizabeth Klein Ohsiek [George], Rebecca Klein Kerper [Phil] and Debbie Klein Ward [Matt]; sister Rosalyn Aberblatt; and grandchildren Sarah and George Ohsiek, Ryan, Cole, Charlie and Dean Kerper, and Maya and Henry Ward. Funeral services will be private. A memorial celebrating his life will take place later in 2021. The family suggests memorial contributions be sent to the West Chester University Wells School of Music Excellence Fund. Joseph Levine & Sons (www.levinefuneral.com)

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Published by The Daily Local from Jan. 1 to Jan. 4, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
for Eugene Klein

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12 Entries

Stacey Hamilton

January 11, 2021

I was so shocked and saddened to hear this news today . Gene was my Volunteer at Chester county hospital in the ACC Department for well over 10 years . He was fast and efficient and if you had nothing for him to do, he was as quick as lighting, out of here. I will truly miss him. We had many conversations about our families. I feel like I knew everyone without meeting them. I will be praying for God to strengthen the family and send peace and understanding .

Marlena Robinson Kleit

January 5, 2021

I am so saddened to hear of Eugene's death. I went to high school (Northeast High School) and college (Temple University) with him and sat next to him, section to section, me on viola and he on cello in many school orchestras. I remember his love of the cello and his artistic craft and also his sense of humor and that twinkle in his eye. I remember the gang of us piling into PTC buses to go to Philadelphia Orchestra concerts at the Robin Hood Dell (now the Mann). I have tried to get in touch with him over the past few years with no success until, accidentally, I found an article regarding one of his students. I emailed her and although she tried to get a contact for him via another one of his students there was no success until that student sent this obituary. I would very much like to talk to you and send you a photo of Euguene from one of our Halloween parties held in my basement when we were in high school. Please let me know where to send the photo or who to call. My heartfelt sympathies to you.

Mary Jordan Weaver

January 3, 2021

I studied music at West Chester and had Mr. Klein for String ensemble. He was such a kind person and wonderful cellist. I always enjoyed his recitals, solo or with a group. Thank you Mr. Klein for your years of sharing your love if music!

Sylvia Ahramjian

January 3, 2021

My heart goes out to you all- especially Maggie. I so remember all your lovely after concert parties and so much music making with him. I am also remembering the time I convinced him to go closer to the nuclear reactor that was heating up to give master classes to students at district orchestra- so many things a lifetime ago but also like yesterday. He was a gentle soul. I hope all your memories will sustain you at this time.
Sincerely,
Sylvia Ahramjian

Carolyn Ellman

January 3, 2021

Gene was my very first stand partner when I started playing with the Delaware Symphony. To know him as a colleague for so many years was a tremendous gift and always a learning experience. He was so cordial and generous, and he was always pursuing some wonderful project such as reading all of Dickens or listening to the late Beethoven string quartets. His influence for good is profound and lasting. Heartfelt condolences to all.

Jane T Pippart-Brown

January 3, 2021

I was so saddened to hear of Gene’s passing. I first met Gene when I was in his violin class in the 60’s when I was a student at West Chester. When I began teaching at WCU in 1987, he was a gracious colleague and adviser to me as he worked tirelessly to help music students choose classes that helped them graduate with success in their chosen major. I will be eternally grateful for his guidance in helping me mentor music education students.
He was a professional and moral leader among the faculty.
I am proud to have been able to serve with him for so many years.
Jane Pippart-Brown

Larry Weinberg

January 3, 2021

Wonderful cellist and true mensch. I learned a lot from Gene who was a demanding teacher and chamber music partner. We had many practice sessions and performances that were so rewarding.

Nancy Forbes

January 2, 2021

Gene was our friend and neighbor. He illustrated everyday what it means to be a kind person infused with a spirit of gentleness, good humor and caring. While we didn’t have the honor of knowing him for a very long time, we did get to know him well. To know him was to love him. Sending love and caring to his beautiful and sweet wife, Maggie and to the rest of the family. Love, Nancy and Michael Forbes

Karen Ahramjian

January 2, 2021

Gene Klein was my friend and colleague in the Delaware Symphony Orchestra for 30 years. He was conscientious, and always well prepared for the music we performed. Also, he had a kind and gentle spirit, and was ready and willing to be helpful to others. He will be dearly missed by many.

Norman and Carolyn Ellman

January 2, 2021

Our sincere and heartfelt condolences to the family. Gene was a beloved colleague and stand partner in the Delaware Symphony.

Ovidiu Marinescu

January 2, 2021

Eugene Klein was always a role model for me. I was fortunate to take on his position as cello professor at West Chester University upon his retirement, and you could sense the trail of positive energy he left behind. Every time I saw Gene he had a big smile on his face, radiating goodness, musicianship, and friendship.

Lauren Herrschaft (Mastrogiovanni)

January 1, 2021

I am deeply saddened by the loss of this great man. He was my advisor, teacher, mentor and a friend. He helped me in so many ways at WCU. I will never forget his kindness and talent.

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