EUGENE M. KLINE

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DeWitt Clinton High School

EUGENE KLINE Obituary

KLINE--Eugene M., known to all as Gene, having survived just a few months past his 100th birthday, died quietly on the afternoon of Friday, October 10, 2014, at his home at Atria of Rye Brook. The cause was congestive heart failure, complicated by pneumonia. Always proud of his graduation from DeWitt Clinton High School, Eugene attended Columbia College, where he was coxswain and Phi Beta Kappa. He went on to Columbia Law School, from which he graduated in 1935 as a James Kent Scholar. Gene practiced law for just shy of 80 years, with a brief interruption for military service during World War II. On September 17, 2014, he forthrightly announced his retirement from the law firm of Phillips Nizer LLP, where he had practiced since 1943. He was the consummate lawyers' lawyer, frequently consulted by colleagues seeking technical advice about knotty legal issues. His dedication to the law was leavened by a lifelong love of jazz, art, the ballet, and the New York Football Giants. Gene was beloved as well as respected. He was married for 70 years to the artist Harriet Kline, who died in 2010. Though predeceased by his son Robert, Gene is survived by his granddaughter Lisa and by Robert's widow, Georgann Kline Ohsman. Gene is also survived by his son Thomas and grandchildren Andrew, Emily, and Daniel. Gene was laid to rest in a private ceremony on Sunday, October 12, 2014, at Mount Carmel Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that a donation be made to the New York City Ballet, David H. Koch Theater, 20 Lincoln Center, New York, NY 10023 or the Museum of Modern Art, 11 W 53rd St, New York, NY 10019.

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Published by New York Times on Oct. 14, 2014.

Memories and Condolences
for EUGENE KLINE

12 Entries

Dushante

October 8, 2022

I knew Mr Kline from the age off 22 to 62 until when I left NY. The very first day I met him in Bill Blass's office wearing a Brown suit, I was 22 I said to myself "One day when I grow up, he's going to be my Attorney" he became a dear treasured loved advisor for 40 years, I retired and left NY but my appreciation of Him and dear Harriet will remain with me eternally. Big Hug Mr K

Dushante

October 8, 2021

I was thinking of Me Kline only today! . I'm rather surprised to see the email remembering his life. I'd 1st met him as a 22 year old Design assistant to his Client Bill Blass. It was love at first sight. He must've been 50 ish may as well be a 100 to a 22 yr old. As I grew up and had my own business, he represented me until I was 62 and returned to my birth nation. I adored Dear Harriet. They will both live in my heart. Until we meet again

Steve Hannam

March 30, 2021

I have just come across this note on Gene. I am so glad he reached the 100 still living life to the full. I looked him up when reminiscing about time spent in New York. He represented our British company in the early 90s and taught this young Englishman how to do do deals in the USA. His teachings sat with me through the next few decades of running companies in the USA. His mind was razor like and there was never any doubt about winning every negotiating point, but it was all done with fun and a sense of humour. My life was richer for having worked with Gene. I also had the pleasure of meeting Harriet and seeing some of her work.
Thank you Gene for all the help and good advice those decades ago.

Susan Eisenberg-Fisch

October 8, 2020

I will always keep Gene in my heart and in my many memories of time spent with him. I truly understood why my father became such close friends with Gene. My maternal grandfather thought that Gene was the smartest and nicest man that he ever knew and my grandfather had impeccable taste and only gave compliments when they were warranted and true. I learned so much from Gene and his lessons will continue to stay with me for the rest of my life. With continued condolences, Susie Eisenberg Fisch

September 24, 2020

I've known Mr Kline from the age of 22 when I met him at Bill Blass's 's office, he then represented me from the age of 26 to my early sixties. Eugene and Harriet were beloved friends and still cherished

Lois Tiger

November 6, 2014

Read about cousin Eugene. Sorry to hear.
Many memories of my youth of he and Harriet and his parents my adored Uncle
Lew and Aunt Hattie. Condolences to all
his family. Cousin, Lois Pollack Tiger
daughter of Ruth Pollack.

Susan Eisenberg-Fisch

October 20, 2014

It is with tremendous sadness that I sign the guest book to say good-bye to Gene. He was the smartest, kindest and most special human along with being my father's best and lifelong friend. I could always count on your guidance, compassion, counsel and wisdom and I will miss you with all of my heart.

Debra MacKillop

October 14, 2014

Tom, my sympathies to you and your family on the death of your father, who sounds like a remarkable man who will be very missed but leaves a lovely legacy. My father's name was Eugene and I have a special place in my heart for that name. Peace to you all.

Dushante Fernando

October 14, 2014

Sorry for your loss.Mr Kline, represented me for over 40 years. He will be missed.Finally, he's gone to meet Harriet

Alisha Eisenstock

October 14, 2014

Sorry for your loss. The world lost a terrific man, father and grandfather.

October 14, 2014

Don Ohsman

Lisa Kline

October 14, 2014

My grandfather was beyond amazing! I loved him very very much!

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