Melvyn Klein

1941 - 2025

Melvyn Klein
12/27/1941 - 02/12/2025
The Horatio Alger Association is deeply saddened by the passing of Melvyn "Mel" Klein, a distinguished businessman, generous philanthropist, and dedicated Member of the Horatio Alger Association. For nearly three decades, Mr. Klein was an active leader and supporter of the organization and served as a Member of the Board of Directors.

As a young boy, he was fascinated by Horatio Alger's stories and inspired by the idea that through hard work and determination he could achieve his goals. Raised by a loving family with humble beginnings, Mr. Klein had a paper route seven days a week throughout his youth. This ambition drove him to support his own studies at Colgate University, the London School of Economics and Political Science, and Columbia University.

After graduating from law school, Mr. Klein served in various roles within the federal government before pivoting to the financial industry. Later in his career, he joined the Grace Commission, a position he was appointed to by President Ronald Reagan. Under President Bill Clinton, Mr. Klein advised the then-secretary of state on international economic policy.

Throughout his life, Mr. Klein was dedicated to various organizations in the state of Texas including the MD Anderson Cancer Center Board of Visitors. He was also a former adjunct professor at Texas A&M University in Corpus Christi and belonged to the Philosophical Society of Texas.

Mr. Klein will be greatly missed by Horatio Alger Members, Life Partners, Legacy Ambassadors, and Scholars. We are profoundly grateful for his many contributions and extend our deepest condolences to his family and friends.