Robert S. Klein

Devoted Husband, Father, Grandfather, and Statistician Robert S. Klein, beloved husband, father, and grandfather, formerly of Lower Macungie Township, PA, and Upper Saucon Township, PA, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, October 30, 2024, at Lehigh Valley Hospice. He was 84 years old. Bob spent 64 days in the Lehigh Valley Hospital following surgery and faced numerous health challenges with remarkable resilience. Honoring his wish to contribute to the advancement of medicine, he donated his body to the Science Care Program, aiding medical education and the development of new medical technologies. Born in 1939, Bob came into the world in a farmhouse on the Klein family farm, homesteaded by his grandfather in the 1880s. As the youngest of three brothers, he benefited from the advent of modern conveniences such as electricity and indoor plumbing, which later came to this rural area in the 1940s. From a young age, Bob contributed to the family farm, driving a modified truck to the dairy at age 5 and eventually taking on early morning cow-milking duties before school. His father encouraged his academic pursuits, and wanted Bob to become the first in the family to graduate from college. Bob graduated from Mount Airy High School, as a senior he was the captain of the soccer team and won Maryland state championships in the 220-yard dash and discus. His farm-honed strength and speed made him a standout athlete, with a personal record of 21.6 seconds in the 220-yard dash. A hamstring injury limited his sprinting career, but his determination never wavered. He briefly attended the University of Maryland on a track scholarship before transferring to Bridgewater College in Virginia, a smaller school that better suited his rural roots. To fund his education, Bob turned to an unusual vocation: hunting groundhogs and selling their pelts. At Bridgewater, he continued competing in outdoor and indoor track, with the 60-yard dash becoming his best event, and met his future wife, Joyce Boone. The couple married in August 1961 and shared 64 wonderful years together. After earning a degree in psychology from Bridgewater College, Bob pursued graduate studies in mathematics at the University of Richmond, laying the foundation for his entry into a Ph.D. program. As a Ph.D. candidate, Robert completed the entirety of the coursework in The Department of Statistics and Statistical Laboratory at the Virginia Polytechnic Institute (Virginia Tech). During this time, he witnessed the transformation of statistical science from manual calculations to computational methodologies. He was a master of a slide rule, and evolved to mainframe computing and FORTRAN coding. With a growing family to support, Bob transitioned to a career in industry before completing his dissertation. In 1966, Bob moved to Pennsylvania to join Pennsylvania Power & Light (PP&L), where he spent 28 years as a statistician and supervisor. His work ranged from forecasting to integrating new computational technologies. As the Supervisor-Forecasts for the Rates and Market Research Department, he was the keeper of the first handheld electronic calculator owned by PP&L. His methodologies were deployed beyond PP&L. Bob developed forecasting techniques that were incorporated in the largest commercial macroeconometric model of the era. He retired in 1994, proud of his legacy of innovation and accuracy. In retirement, Bob found joy in gardening, long-distance walking, woodworking, exercise, and investing/trading. An avid outdoorsman in his youth, he also passed on his love of sports to his sons, actively supporting their activities in baseball, table tennis, basketball, track, soccer, and cross country. In his later years when his mobility was limited, he devoted much of his energy to research, writing, computing, and problem solving with his analytical mind. Bob was a dedicated member of the Quakertown Church of the Brethren, serving as Church Board Chair, Deacon, and Stewardship Commission member. He also headed the development and led the fundraising efforts for the church's new Sunday school wing. He was predeceased by his parents, Norman and Anna (Martin) Klein; his brothers, Paul Klein and David N. Klein Sr.; and his sister-in-law, Bernice Klein. Bob is survived by his loving wife, Joyce (Boone) Klein; sons Robert R. Klein (Maren), and Eric Klein (Julie); grandchildren Gillian, Ainsley, and Jonathan Klein; niece Rebecca Klein; and nephew David N. Klein Jr. (Donnis), who continue to oversee the family farm. A visitation will be held on Saturday, January 4, 2025, from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m. at Stephens Funeral Home, 274 North Krocks Road, Allentown, PA, followed by a Celebration of Life service officiated by Pastor Mark Nichols of the First Church of the Brethren in Quakertown. A private inurnment will take place later at the Locust Grove Church of the Brethren Cemetery in Mount Airy, MD, where Bob's cremated remains will be laid to rest in the Klein family plot. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Restless Legs Syndrome Foundation (Austin, TX) at or The V Foundation for Cancer Research (Cary, NC) at to support their vital missions. Bob's life was a testament to hard work, intellectual curiosity, and an unwavering commitment to his family, faith, and community. He was many things: a farmer, outdoorsman, athlete, and a statistician. Bob will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.