David Jacob Kline

David Jacob Kline, 92, passed away on September 1, 2025, in hospice care at Casey House, Rockville, Maryland.
David was born on April 1, 1933 in Roxbury, Massachusetts to Samuel and Betty (Rudin) Kline, proprietors of Samuel Kline Jewelers. He looked up to and loved his sister, Barbara Edith Goodof, (1928-2013) over a lifetime. When they were together you could not get a word in edge-wise amid all the laughter. David is survived by nephew Robert Goodof (Cindy), niece Lori Calderone, great-nephews Jean-Paul Calderone (Jericho), and Tony Calderone, and great-great nieces Indie and Lyra Calderone, and great-great nephews Ari and Amos Calderone.
David graduated from the Roxbury Memorial High School for Boys, and earned Bachelor's and Master's Degrees in business in 1954 and 1961, respectively, from Northeastern University. He remained an active donor to Northeastern all his life.
David served in the U.S. Navy 1956-1957, and went on to work at Allied Research in Boston, and Federal Publications in Washington, DC, while also pursuing real estate and other novel business interests, including with his dearest friend, Ken Lindsay, and Ken's wife, Karyn.
David loved people, and he loved Nantucket, where he had countless friends. For over 40 years, he "resided" at the Boat Basin, most often sitting in front of the Three Brothers Cottage, talking to almost every (female!) passer-by. David deeply treasured the memories of all those summers with his friends on the Island.
David was, above all, compassionate and generous, at times to his own detriment. His devotion to his parents and his sister, as well as to his cousin David, and to many friends, was amazing and inspiring to see. A true mensch, you could always count on David Kline for support and kindness.
A naturally gifted raconteur, David had a thousand stories to tell, stories enough to fill a few books. Baseball, business, politics, and women were all fair game - a favorite Ted Williams story was about when the iconic Williams asked David's sister, Barbara, for her phone number after seeing her at a sporting event (she said no!). With David, there was always a story, and always laughter.
David loved baseball. Win or lose (but please win), he was a passionate Red Sox fan for his entire long life.
David was a member of Adas Israel Congregation in DC for decades, and was always present specifically to help ensure that there was a minyan.
David leaves behind many beloved friends, who helped make his final days a bit more peaceful. The family is so grateful for the friendship and love David received from Kathy Hallquest, Lemeneh Kibret, Lisa Everhart, Carolyn Fuchs, Regina Masciotra, and Elisabeth Field. Thank you also to the staff of Brookdale Senior Living, Potomac, Maryland, and of the Casey House, Rockville, Maryland.
David was deeply loved, and will be deeply missed. Donations in David's name may be made to The Jewish National Fund or a charity of your choice. Private service.