Rev. Theodore J. Klein Ph.D.

Norwich - The Reverend Theodore J. Klein, Ph.D., retired priest of the Diocese of Norwich, died Thursday, Feb. 4, 2010, in Mystic. He was 81.

Father Klein's life was devoted to serving his country and faithfully serving the Catholic Church. Following a distinguished career as captain in the U.S. Air Force Intelligence Service, Father Klein answered the call to become a Catholic priest at age 40. As both pastor and educator, Father Klein is fondly remembered as a gifted, caring, and joyful priest. He had been Pastor of St. Mary, Mother of our Redeemer Parish in Groton, for many years before retiring from St. Mary in 1999.

Father Klein was born in Kings Park, Long Island, N.Y., May 15, 1928, son of the late Paul W. and Marian A. Klein. He earned a bachelor of arts degree from St. Francis College, Brooklyn, N.Y., a master of arts degree at Georgetown University, and a Ph.D. in international relations from the School of International Service at American University in Washington, D.C.

Father Klein prepared for his ordination at Holy Apostles Seminary in Cromwell, and completed his studies for the priesthood at Pope John XXIII National Seminary in Weston, Mass. He was ordained a priest for service in the Diocese of Norwich by Richard Cardinal Cushing, the late Archbishop of Boston, in Holy Cross Cathedral on May 21, 1969. Shortly following his ordination, Father Klein began sharing his knowledge and spiritual guidance as a teacher at Notre Dame High School for Girls in Norwich and later at the then St. Bernard Boys High School in Uncasville.

Always generous with his time, Father Klein additionally served on many committees and commissions of importance to the diocese. Several such assignments include serving 18 years as Ecumenical Officer of the Diocese, two terms with the Connecticut Conference of Catholic Bishops, and chairman of the Diocesan Medical Ethics Committee.

When time permitted, he loved to travel. He frequently led students and parishioners on pilgrimages to the Holy Land and always held a special fondness for Scotland and Ireland, the home of his ancestors.

Father Klein was predeceased by two sisters, Elizabeth A. Podgorski and Marie E. Kovarik, and by a brother, Paul W. Klein.

He is survived by six nieces and nephews, Francis T. Podgorski, Judith M. Boaree, Barbara P. Dalzell, Albert F. Kovarik, Barbara J. Isoldi, and Tracy Klein.

The Transfer of the Body to St. Mary, Mother of the Redeemer Church, 69 Groton Long Point Road, Groton, will take place at 3 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 9, 2010. Following that ceremony, Father Klein's body will lie in state from 3 until 7 p.m. at St. Mary, Mother of the Redeemer Church. A Parish Mass will be celebrated for his repose at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 9, in St. Mary's Church. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated by Most Reverend Michael R. Cote, Bishop of Norwich, at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 10, at St. Mary, Mother of the Redeemer Church. Burial will be in St. Patrick Cemetery, Old Mystic.

The Dinoto Funeral Home, 17 Pearl St., historic downtown Mystic is handling the arrangements.

Donations may be made in honor of Father Klein may be made to St. Bernard High School Endowment Trust Fund, 201 Broadway, Norwich CT 06360.

To share a remembrance or condolence, please visit www.dinotofuneral.com