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MANNY KLAUSNER Obituary
A graduate of UCLA and New York University School of Law, where he excelled as a Root-Tilden Scholar and Associate Managing Editor of the N.Y.U. Law Review, Manny furthered his legal education with an LL.M. from NYU as a Ford Foundation Fellow in Comparative Law where he was privileged to study economics under the renowned Ludwig von Mises, whose rigorous defense of free markets helped shape his intellectual life. After completing two law degrees at NYU, Manny pursued further studies at the University of Copenhagen in Denmark from 1963 to 1964, with support of grants from the Ford Foundation and the Fulbright Program.
His academic journey included a year on the faculty of the University of Chicago Law School (1964-1965) laying the foundation for a career marked by intellectual rigor and principled advocacy.
Manny's legal career spanned decades, beginning at Kindel & Anderson, LLP, before he established the Law Offices of Manuel S. Klausner in 1996. Renowned for his work in constitutional law, election law, and media law, he represented clients in high-profile cases, including defending Proposition 209 and serving as General Counsel to the Individual Rights Foundation. His contributions earned him accolades such as the Lawyer-of-the-Year Award from the Constitutional Rights Foundation and the Los Angeles County Bar Association.
A passionate libertarian, Manny co-founded Reason Enterprises in 1971, which published Reason magazine, and later the Reason Foundation in 1978 alongside Tibor Machan and Bob Poole. He served as editor of Reason and remained a trustee, shaping the discourse on liberty through his writings in publications like the Los Angeles Times, Reason, and the N.Y.U. Law Review.
Together with his beloved wife, Willette, Manny not only shaped cultural landscapes but also left an indelible mark on the arts and culinary worlds. Willette, a pioneering force in theater and film for over four decades, partnered with Manny to produce a remarkable portfolio of critically acclaimed works, including "Othello," "Good Night and Good Luck," "Dead Outlaw," "Buena Vista Social Club," "Operation Mincemeat," "Glengarry Glen Ross," "Gypsy," "Sunset Blvd," "Hadestown," "MJ the Musical," "The Wiz," "Purlie Victorious," "Ain't Too Proud - The Life and Times of The Temptations," "Cabaret - the Revival," "Devil Wears Prada," "Stereophonic," "Three Mo' Tenors," and other groundbreaking productions. Their shared passion for creativity extended to the culinary realm, where they co- founded the American Institute of Wine and Food alongside luminaries like Julia Child, Robert Mondavi, and Kim and Michael McCarty among others. Known affectionately as "super foodies" and "gastronauts," they explored cuisines across more than 50 countries and invested in over 40 restaurants, blending their love for liberty with a zest for life's finer pleasures.
Manny was predeceased by his parents, Isadore and Helen Klausner, his brother, Howard Klausner, and his sister, Geraldine Senft. He leaves behind his cherished wife of 56 years, Willette; his twin brother, Dr. Sheldon Klausner, M.D., and Sheldon's wife, Barbro; his sister-in-law, Margaret Murphy; and his cousins, Gloria (Michael) Gerald and Howard (Alice) Gruber, along with their children. Manny is also survived by his treasured nieces and nephews--Hanna Klausner, Linda Klausner, Sara Klausner, Robin Parks, Dawn Parks, Gregory Parks, Michael (Misheline) Parks, Leroy Jordan, Steve (Marsha) Senft, Cheri (Paul) Cohen, and Dave (Eva) Senft as well as numerous grandnieces and grandnephews - who fondly knew him as "Uncle Manny."
Manny also leaves behind a wide circle of friends, colleagues, and admirers who valued his keen intellect, humor, and steadfast dedication to "free minds and free markets," the guiding ethos of Reason Magazine. A passionate traveler, chess aficionado, theater lover, and devotee of Tai Chi under Nzazi Malonga (Master Zi), he lived with boundless energy and curiosity. His enduring legacy lives on in the countless lives he influenced and the principles he upheld.
A private funeral service for family and friends will be held on Sunday, April 6, 1:30pm at Mt. Sinai Memorial Cemetery in the Tanach Chapel in Los Angeles.
In lieu of flowers, friends may wish to make a donation in his name to the Reason Foundation at [email protected] or 310-740-8582.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for MANNY KLAUSNER
Ed Drozda
April 15, 2025
Willette, I am so sorry to hear about Manny. I wish you comfort and peace of mind.
Sheila Callaghan
April 13, 2025
My deepest and warmest condolences at this sad time. My
late husband, Larry considered Manny a dear friend and valued their times together.
Sheila Callaghan
Hank Hohenstein, OFS
April 9, 2025
Hello Willette
Manny, used to keep me abreast of all your exploits in the theater. I enjoyed hearing about them. I would deeply appreciate that if you have any plans to notify friends of opening and awards etc.; that you would keep me on your mailing list. Susan and I would have great times talking about what you were doing, because through Manny it was personal. I am a bit older than Manny so being aware of what you are doing has an added level of emotional attachment for me. Thank you and I pray each day brings you greater peace. Love, hank
Gloria Nagy Wurman
April 8, 2025
Dear Willette words fail. He was everything said here and an absolutely unique and joy filled special man and the life yu shared was truly magical. Our hearts are with ou. God Bless and much love, Gloria and Richard
Peter S Kellogg
April 7, 2025
Manny was very generous in his support of musicals, including two of mine.
He was also a very brilliant man. I am grateful to have known him.
Edward Culbertson
April 7, 2025
Manny Klausner was a lawyer for a case in the Washington DC area in the 1980s against a client of a lawyer with a firm in the northern Virginia suburbs of Washington D.C. He was a good established lawyer, and I learned a lot from his example. My condolences to Willette and Manny's family.
Davina Belling
April 6, 2025
A great loss of a remarkable man. I feel so grateful to have known both Manny and Willette.
Diane R. Griggs
April 6, 2025
What a beautiful service and celebration of love. Manny was LOVE. I had the honor of teaching the Wednesday tai qi class, and Manny was a faithful participant. If I wanted to communicate a movement so Manny understood I would use wine and chocolate as metaphors. After which, Manny executed the most fluid tai qi. One class, Manny was "acting up." I said, "Manny what am I going to do with you?" Manny responded, "Just be thankful." And I am. Thankful for his love, wisdom, and spirit. Our community will be forever changed because Manny was one of us!
With love, Diane Griggs
Bob Gaglione
April 6, 2025
My condolences to Willette and all of Manny´s family and friends. Like so many others, I loved Manny and enjoyed all of the time we spent together at Federalist Society and other events over the past three decades. Manny was an extraordinary person and one of a kind - may he rest in peace!
Joanne Hanna Klausner
April 6, 2025
Uncle Manny, you touched so many people. You and Willette were such a beautiful power couple. Thank you for many good times together. Sending so much love.
Kim Waltrip
April 6, 2025
a brilliant mind and a voice of reason whose wisdom will be deeply missed
Tamyra Gray
April 6, 2025
We´ve loved Manny from the moment we met him, while Tamyra was starring in "Twist" in Pasadena. We hit it off at a small party talking about food (surprise), and we immediately recognized that we had more to learn than to teach, so Manny educated us. We always looked forward to the Leo party each year. Manny´s passion and energy were infectious, and his intelligence was immediately apparent. He will be sorely missed here. Sending love. Tamyra Gray and Sam Watters.
Robert Kory
April 6, 2025
Manny was a light ahead of his time. He will be missed in many many ways, yet his contributions will last, as a champion of free thought. Never more necessary in the times ahead.
Safiya-Mae
April 6, 2025
Dearest Willette
My sincere condolences, love and prayers at this difficult time.
Forever grateful for the kindness you and Manny have shown me and making me feel a part of the family.
With Love
Safiya-Mae & Family xx
Don Franzen
April 6, 2025
In the late 60s, while I was an undergraduate at USC, but already a self styled libertarian activist, word came through the grapevine that Bob Poole, Tibor Machan and Manny Klausner had bought Reason magazine from its founder Lanny Friedlander. Not many years later, when I was in law school, I met Manny, and that was the beginning of a friendship that lasted more than five decades. Back then Manny was a mentor for me, I admired the principled way he practiced law. He once said to me "I´m always on the right side of every case I take". He never compromised in his dedication to the principles that define Reason magazine "free minds and free markets." Together with my wife, we enjoyed many gastronomic evenings with him and Willette and it is difficult for me to accept that I won´t share another spectacular dining experience with him. A bright beacon for the cause of liberty has been dimmed but his legacy will continue forever.
Douglas Denoff
April 6, 2025
Manny had great love for great wine, great food, great friends, and living life to the fullest. But he had no greater love than Willette and I send her love and hugs during this very sad time. May Manny's memory be a blessing.
Bipin & Blaire Desai
April 6, 2025
I met Manny some 40 years ago on a staircase in Michael´s restaurant in Santa Monica. I was going to a private dining room upstairs and he was coming down. He stopped me as we were passing each other and introduced himself. He told me that he recognized me from a wine tasting he attended a few weeks earlier in Los Angeles. We chatted about our common interests in wine and food. Soon after that brief encounter my wife, Blaire, and I got together with Willette and Manny and became good friends with them. They were "foodies" who explored new restaurants and new trends in cuisine and were personal friends with many renowned chefs. Eventually, they became part of my group of friends with similar interests and participated regularly in my wine events held in Los Angeles as well as in my trips to visit great restaurants in Europe.On March 6 he and Willette attended my special dinner at Spago with Wolfgang Puck. The wines, which were all from the great vintage of 2005, were extraordinary. At the end of the dinner Manny got up and delivered an unforgettable speech for the occasion. Next day he sent me photographs he had taken at the event. He looked jovial and seemed like he was having a good time. And, once again, he congratulated me and told me he looked forward to more. That was quintessential Manny! Less than two weeks later I received a call from Willette. She told me that he passed away on March 17. I was in total shock. It is impossible to describe in words how I felt except to say that he will be greatly missed. I will always cherish his friendship as well as his support and enthusiasm for my efforts. Blaire and I send our deepest condolences to Willette.
Bipin
Daniel Gressel
April 6, 2025
Hi Willete. So sorry to hear of Manny's passing. We haven't seen each other in a while but if you are ever in Miami look me up. Daniel Gressel
Hank Hohenstein
April 6, 2025
Willette,
I am so sorry to read of Manny's passing. You have our deepest condolences. We have never met, but it seemed as if you were at Manny's side whenever he and I met or talked because the conversation would always turn to what you were doing. I met Manny shortly after you were married when we were all back east. I stumbled on Reason when it was in its mimeograph days and shortly after Manny, Robert and Tibor purchased it. He was so proud of all that you accomplished. He will be missed: for his faithfulness, his intellect, his friendship, but mostly for his nature. Love, hank and Susan
Tom Hazlett
April 5, 2025
As all who knew him will attest, Manny Klausner was the embodiment of joie de vivre - and more. He exhibited the sparkle of new ideas, and a passion for trustworthy old ones. Our lives have been wonderfully enriched by knowing Willette and Manny. From Alexandra and me, our love to you both.
Jerry Katell
April 5, 2025
What a wonderful friend.
Jerry Katell
Linda Chichester & David Coffman
April 5, 2025
Dear Willette,
Our hearts ache for you in this time of deep sorrow. Manny's love and presence will be cherished forever.
You are in our thoughts and prayers. Please know that we are always here for you.
Linda Chichester & David Coffman
Dennis Lloyd
April 5, 2025
To Willette and family we offer our sincere condolences. With much love. Dennis Lloyd and Family, Beverly Jordan, Egypt, Tonya, Noel, Lia.
Cat Peoples
April 5, 2025
I met Manny as a young eagered theatre girl who had just recently graduated from college, landing in the big city of NYC working on Three Mo Tenors for his lovely wife, my mentor, Wilette. Manny was always so kind. It was Manny and Willette who introduced me to the world of true fine dining. I remember us being somewhere in Spain and they were celebrating their anniversary. I asked "what are you all gonna do?" They said, "Oh just travel the world and try some restaurants" It was at that moment, when I realized how I wanted to spend time with my future life partner. Willette and Manny were #RelationshipGoals for this little red head girl from Detroit. They truly showed me a world outside of Detroit, MI and I will be forever grateful. I will miss him dearly. Love you Willette.
Jerry Katell
April 5, 2025
My thoughts are with you.
Jerry Katell
Ivy and Leo chu
April 5, 2025
Condolences to willet rest in peace manny. We had shared some culinary experiences and conversations and we will forever miss you. Ivy and leo
Hattie Wheeler
April 5, 2025
When Harold and I first relocated to LA from New York it was always Willette and Manny and it will always be Willette and Manny. We loved and worked in theatre; You introduced us to the finest restaurants in LA our conversations about wine were like receiving a graduate degree. Thank you for being our friends. Rest well . Hattie and Harold Wheeler
Sheldon Epps and Lesley Brander-Epps
April 5, 2025
Willette and Manny have been great supporters of so many artists (both on stage and in the kitchen) over many years. Their passionate and gracious support has meant so much to SO MANY. We are all grateful and lucky to have such wonderful shared memories.
Nicholas Cooper
April 5, 2025
Manny, I´m grateful for every conversation, thought exchange and smile shared each time we met. There was not one conversation I had with Willette you were not a part of. While your physical presence will be missed, your spirit will forever fill each room...reminding us all to remain authentic, work smart and enjoy each morsel of life.
dorothy gray
April 4, 2025
WIlette,
I will always remember the kindness of both of you when you took me to the Watergate 's special restaurant, Jacques?, when my dear Burton died.
Manny ordered a specail wine and we reviewed stories about him together.
If your plans bring you to Washington, please let us know that you are coming and Douglas and I would like to do something similar with you.
He brought so much to so many!
He will be missed by all.
Love,
Deecy and Douglas
JEAN MATHIEU HELLICH
April 4, 2025
Dear Willette, Manny was a distinguished, generous, faithful friend and gentleman. He will remain in my heart in spirit. Edith and I think with pleasure and gratitude of our last meeting in Henley on Thames where we enjoyed the company of both of you and also -no surprise- an excellent lunch and lively discussions. We are saddened by the great departure of Manny on the other side of the river. But we remain thankful. God bless you and your family.
Glenda Wina
April 3, 2025
Manny was like a family member. He enjoyed great food and wines, and endless political and philosophical discussions. But what I remember most was his warmth, generous spirit, and the goodness of his heart. His absence is already sorely missed. I celebrate his having been in all our lives.
C. Ronald Kimberling
April 3, 2025
I was privileged to meet Manny Klausner in the late 1960s when I was a young libertarian activist. I attended meetings at Tibor Machan's residence in Santa Barbara when Manny, Bob Poole, and Tibor were planning their acquisition of Reason magazine. We collaborated on a number of things in the 1970s, including a joint interview with Penthouse founder Bob Guccione that was a cover article in Reason in 1976. We have keep in touch over the years, and Manny supported a book I edited in 2021 celebrating the birth of the Libertarian Party in 1971. I will miss this mentor and mensch! My deepest sympathies are with Willette.
David Harmer
April 3, 2025
Elayne and I witnessed Manny's generosity on multiple occasions, and experienced it ourselves on several. I was a brand-new associate at O'Melveny & Myers when Manny invited me, as his guest, to the Reason Foundation's annual dinner, where the keynote speaker, Joe Alibrandi, announced his intention to qualify a ballot initiative providing school choice. That led to my full-time employment with ExCEL, the Excellence through Choice in Education League, and the opportunity to collaborate intensively with Manny over the next two years in drafting and advocating the initiative. Elayne and I were newlyweds when Manny, passing through Salt Lake City, insisted on taking us to the Glitretind restaurant at the Stein Eriksen Lodge in Deer Valley---where, of course, the chef, upon learning of Manny's presence, prepared a special tasting menu for us, with course after delectable course. It was a sparkling evening of fine cuisine and stimulating conversation---but wasn't that always the case when Manny was around? What a joyful, generous, exuberant presence he was. We were blessed to know him. Dear Willette, may the good you and he together did circle back to you manyfold, and may his memory be a constant and pervasive blessing to you.
Millie McCoo
April 3, 2025
Manny was not merely a friend. Along with Willette, the years we have known each other, we are more like family. I enjoyed his lively mind. May Willette and the rest of the Klausners, Murphies and Parks as well as their many friends carry fond memories that he brought into our lives.
Georges & Emiko Halpern
April 3, 2025
Manny was UNIQUE. We mourn sadly. He will be missed...
Georges & Emiko Halpern
Raymond J. LaJeunesse, Jr.
April 2, 2025
My condolences to you, Willette. I already miss Manny. He was a great personal friend, not just a legal colleague. The many dinners with Manny and you over the years when we were at Federalist Society or Heritage Foundation legal meetings were highlights of those events. I also will never forget the dinner at the French Laundry to which he invited me in your stead because you were not with him at that year's Federalist Society Western Leadership meeting.
Until after I got to know Manny, I didn´t know that he was an early local counsel for a National Right to Work legal Defense Foundation case, although because it was not one of mine, I do not know which case it was. Until I read Manny's obituary in Reason I also did not know about his connection with Sylvester Petro, who argued a U.S. Supreme Court case for the Foundation on which I worked.
Susie Gerald
April 2, 2025
Willette, Kenny and I are so sorry for the loss of wonderful Manny. He will be missed for his intelligence and wit. We've so admired the brilliant cultural life you two shared with the world. Our hearts are with you at this difficult time. Sending love,
Susie Gerald and Kenny Ruffin
Edward Lew
April 1, 2025
Dear Willette,
We are shocked and sadden. Our profound condolences to you with love.
Ginny and Edward Lew
Mrs. Terri Allen
April 1, 2025
Our dear Willette,
We are saddened hearing about the loss of Manny. I know what a power couple you were and how he touched so many people.
Please know our prayers and thoughts are with you always and in all ways. We love you.
Fondly,
Terri Allen and Dr. Dale Allen
Alexandre Saada (son of Anita and Gigi)
April 1, 2025
Dear Wilette please accept my sincere condolences . I was so sad to learn that Manny had left us. So good memories which are going away. But I am sure he will meet soon Anita and Gigi and enjoy with them a great bottle wine from Burgundy. Lots of love. Alexandre.
Donna Trinkoff
April 1, 2025
I only had the great pleasure to meet with Manny a handful of times. He had such a warmth and positive spirit. I remember his kindness and his being a consummate gentleman.
Laurence Richard
April 1, 2025
Oh Willette, my heart weeps for your immense loss. What a treasure you both were in the formative years of my life as the young wife of Michel Richard. You saw all our children be born into our non-stop family and were there to celebrate milestone after milestone. I hold on to each memory dearly. I hope our paths cross again one day. For now, I hold you in my heart. Peace to you Willette, Laurence
Annie Boutin King
March 31, 2025
Dearest Willette, my most sincere condolences.
Manny, you and I go back to when I was at The Biltmore Hotel in early 80´s and you graced us with your presence and support at Bernard´s and then supported me unconditionally with Les Dames d´Escoffier.
Saw each again at the Reason Foundation conference in DC at my hotel.
And most recently for the Jean-Louis Tribute at The Watergate Hotel.
Thank you Manny and Willette for such an incredible mark in the world!!! Love you! Annie
Tom and Christine Lynch
March 31, 2025
The inquiring mind, insightful humor, impeccable taste (not just in food), unflagging energy and boundless joy are all parts of a true gentleman, Manny Klausner. I met him and Willette in my early twenties, if not late teens. I was immediately welcomed into their intellectual, erudite world that I had no idea existed. The restaurants, the plays, the people that surrounded them, all very heady stuff for an unknown writer trying to understand the secrets of entertainment Through the next four decades our paths crossed often and always the same feeling was pervasive; Joy! I will miss him and send love to Willette, who brought Manny the most joy.
Ariane
March 31, 2025
Dear Willette, I am so sad for you. The culinary scene in the US, and abroad, would not be the same without Manny and you. So many chefs and restaurateurs owe you! You helped them financially to start right off the ground, and, with an extraordinary generosity, patronized hundreds of them! I will miss all these fabulous meals together since the first one, when we met from one table to another at Jean-Louis Palladin's !
Willette, my heart goes to you and yours.
Eugene Meyer
March 31, 2025
I posted this on the Federalist Society blog:
Remembering Manny Klausner
Eugene B. Meyer
Mar 19, 2025
News
Note from the Editor: The Federalist Society takes no positions on particular legal and public policy matters. Any expressions of opinion are those of the author. We welcome responses to the views presented here. To join the debate, please email us at [email protected].
In my early days at the Federalist Society, I sent letters to a few people seeking their help. Two letters I put in the wrong envelopes. A couple of days later, Manny Klausner called me saying he had received a letter from me intended for someone else, but that he really wanted to help. And help he did-with the same energy, optimism, wisdom, commitment, and warmth that he brought to everything he did.
Manny has passed away at age 85.
In the public policy world, Manny was a deeply philosophical and totally committed libertarian and also a strong believer in America. At the same time, he had a very practical side which helped him use his legal skills to advance the ideas he was so committed to. He was a founder of Reason Foundation and longtime editor of Reason Magazine. He started the Federalist Society´s Los Angeles Lawyers Chapter and the Libertarian Law Council. He chaired the Society´s Free Speech & Election Law Practice Group Executive Committee for many years. He tried to encourage in every way those he worked with. And his interests and enthusiasms extended far beyond public policy-especially in the realms of fine dining and wine.
I will so miss his advice, optimism, and warmth, as so many of us will.
Willette, Manny´s longtime spouse and a highly successful theatrical producer, was his partner in so much. Our deepest sympathies go out to her.
Marion J. Caffey
March 31, 2025
Manny was a long time friend. Our relationship was born through Willette and his support, love and contribution to the arts, specifically, Three Mo' Tenors and World Tenors Unleashed. He was truly a man of class, distinction and of his conviction. We shared many conversations, dining with the best and by chance the exact model of Rado watch. He was always encouraging and kept up with the progress of my son, Chris and daughter Mari who is attending his beloved University of Chicago. We all send our love, positive thoughts thanks and condolences of Manny, truly one of a kind!
TOMMY VIG
March 31, 2025
I LOVED MANNY KLAUSNER AND WISH ALL PEOPLE WERE LIKE HE WAS.
TOMMY VIG
Alain
March 30, 2025
Dear Wilette
Catherine, Camille, Antonin join me to express our sadness
Just a few days ago we were enjoying the past, present and future at Meteroa/Citrus!
So many memories, fun repas that i don't know where to start.
You were the core of the world dining, my master foodies.
We are currently in La Quinta with the family celebrating Catherine Birthday
Not sure yet that we make it in time in LA
With my deeply thoughts
Fondly
Alain
Stephen C Byrd
March 30, 2025
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
Kristian Brask Thomsen
March 30, 2025
What a man, exceptional mind, human being and pleasure aficionado extra ordinaire Manny was. I shall cherish every fun-loving moment and conversation we had dearly. You will be missed!
Suzanne Dunaway
March 30, 2025
Oh, sadness. We knew Manny in LA long ago through The American Institue of Wine and Food and met though mutual friends, Bert Sonnenfeld and Marvin Zeidler. In Manny's sunny presence, I felt myself a better person, my life enriched by his energy and wisdom. Willette and Manny made everyone around them shine a little brighter! We are far away in France but memories of Manny are strong and forever. And Willette, there are no words for what you must be feeling. Don and I send you hugs and mourn so far away for your loss.
Bonnie Gibson
March 29, 2025
We have known Manny and Willette for many years through wine dinners and travel. Manny´s passionate, positive speeches and interesting outlook on life made every shared experience special. He was truly an exceptional man.
Bonnie and Chris
Anders and Debi Weissenberg
March 29, 2025
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Birgit and Eugene Elander
March 29, 2025
Manny Klausner was a unique person who not only had the courage of his convictions, but also had the courage to act on them, becoming a leading Libertarian and co-founder of Reason magazine. We have enjoyed many family occasions with Manny and Willette. He will be sorely missed by us, but our memories will be a great comfort. RIP, Manny
Bob Holmes & David Hubensky
March 29, 2025
We were extremely fortunate to have known Manny for over forty years, and we were always honored and charmed to be in his amazing presence. He had a special aura, and was always ebullient, joyous, ever-present in the moment, enjoying life and our company. He expressed his celebration of living with countless stories of how he and Willette were enjoying their lives and activities, and he was always looking forward to the next such experience, when they would meet and greet friends and have a meal together at some amazing culinary spot. Manny was always on top of his game intellectually, he read voluminously and always defended his position with both passion and a hint of glee! We will miss him dearly.
Larry Mattson and Ellen Sherwood
March 29, 2025
We will attend.
christine mandion-splichal
March 29, 2025
Dearest Willette,
I am so sad for you to lose such a wonderful partner of so many years. You and Manny were such a force in supporting our humble beginnings in the restaurant business from the start in 1989 with Patina. You were always such wonderful fans and great mentors. Wishing you great strength and courage in surviving Manny.
Joseph Joubert
March 29, 2025
Renay and I have such fond memories of dining with Manny and Willette at the best restaurants always. Manny was a first class gentleman of the highest order and we will miss him dearly. He was so on point with constructive criticisms of the many shows I worked on that he either helped produce or came to see. Sending my love and prayers to Willette and the extended family.
Dorothy Ann Schreiber Snowball
March 28, 2025
Manny was my friends from the 4th grade at Hancock Park Elementary, John Burroughs Jr High and Fairfax High. He and Shelley were so much fun in classes, especially when they would try and fool the teachers who could not tell them apart. Manny, Shelley and I accelerated together to graduate early and go on with our lives. Over the years I have thoroughly enjoyed his annual Holiday letters and photos of the wonderful life he and Willette made together. I will truly miss him.
Rodger Cosgrove
March 28, 2025
Manny had a unique, wise and worldly rizz. Combining intellect and integrity with warmth, generosity, and a rare joie de vivre, he left an indelible mark on his friends, and the world a better place for his efforts. He and Willette also left me and some other elect Leo´s with an appreciation of five hour, ten course luncheons in a Michelin starred restaurant. The epitome of a class act, Manny was a one-off, for sure. He is, and will be, missed by many.
George Caloyannidis and Christine Tittel
March 28, 2025
Since the founding of our nation, there has always been a small group of people who devoted their lives in defending the value of individual freedoms. An unparalleled debater, Manny was one of them.
He understood how these freedoms were essential to the thriving of the arts including those in the culinary world. In his life, he combined all of them and always with humor.
We will always miss him, especially at the annual New Year's table in Martine Saunier's home who we lost exactly 60 days before we lost Manny.
An entire era has come to an end.
Justin McCarty
March 28, 2025
Liberty & Freedom Fighter and Wine Expert. Peace to Willette and Klausner family.
Ari Haddad
March 28, 2025
I am so sorry for your loss Willette. And I am sorry that I will never have another chance to have another beautiful conversation with Manny again. He was thoughtful, deep, kind, provocative, contrarian and humorous. He always seemed to have a twinkle in his eye, and he always seemed to be one step ahead of most people in his thoughts and ideas. He was a lover of ideas and ideals and he was incredibly engaging in his conversations. He also was deeply in love with you and I was impressed by the depth and love of your connection. Sending lots of love and feeling sad for your loss and ours
albert sonnenfeld
March 28, 2025
Salud! to the greatest Leo of them all---the ever generous Mann. We shall miss im dearly. Bert and Noel
Charles Murray
March 28, 2025
My wife and I had so many wonderful evenings with Manny Willette, but there´s one story in particular that I loved to tell people because it so completely captures the man. Manny, me, and a few others were going to a Spanish restaurant that had recently opened in DC. Manny had never been there and didn´t know the chef. But Manny did his thing with the server-endless curiosity about the menu, endless enthusiasm about the prospective meal. We put in our order. A few minutes later, the server returned to our table. "The chef is cooking a special menu for you." Who else but Manny could have done that?
Ann Martin
March 28, 2025
Tom and I will always treasure our friendship with Manny. He was an exceptional man-so brilliant and always positive. I loved those Leo parties at Angelini every August and the wonderful way in which he always made us all so welcome. He was so supportive of chefs and restaurants in LA. I will miss him. Willette, I am so sorry for your loss. Love, Ann Martin
Lorraine and Scott
March 28, 2025
Manny was a kind man and brilliant man with a generous spirit. His quick and clever wit a lit up any room. His profound love for his wife, Willette, was an abiding and tender force-a deep, unwavering devotion. The world feels dimmer without him, but his light lives on in every life he touched, a legacy of love and intellect that time can never erase. He is deeply missed.
Ursula Hermacinski
March 28, 2025
We´ve lost a brilliant mind, a passionate advocate and a generous soul. Willette, my heart breaks for you especially. Thank you for the memories you´ve both made with me that I continue to cherish.
Jeffrey A. Singer, MD
March 28, 2025
Manny was a principled intellectual and a kind-hearted optimist. It was one of my great privileges in life to have known him. I was shocked to learn of his passing. I will miss him greatly.
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How to support MANNY's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
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Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
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What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
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Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
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The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor MANNY KLAUSNER's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
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Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
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How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
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