SPRINGFIELD ~ Paul R. Klein, 90, of the Pine Point section of Springfield, was Called Safely Home on Wednesday, July 25, 2018. He passed into Eternal Life surrounded by the care and comfort of his loving family, his wonderful caregivers and his fellow comrades-at-arms. He was born in Fitchburg, Massachusetts on September 9, 1927, a beloved son of the late Philip and Pauline (Gienger) Klein. He was raised in Fitchburg and moved to Springfield in 1962 where he lived the remainder of his life. He served his country in the United States Army during World War II and attained the rank of Private First Class. He reenlisted in the United States Air Force during the Korean War and attained the rank of Staff Sergeant. He received the World War II Victory Medal, the Army of Occupation Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Good Conduct Medal and the Air Force Longevity Service Award with One Oak Leaf Cluster. He was employed with the United States Postal Service for 20 years at the Bulk Mail Center on Tapley Street in Springfield and retired as a scheduler. He was an active member and volunteer at Evangelical Covenant Church in Springfield. An avid golfer, he enjoyed playing often at Veteran’s Golf Course in Springfield. Above all, Paul loved spending time with his beloved family and his many dear friends. He leaves his beloved wife and best friend, Eleanor B. (Bonnallie) Klein. They were married on March 5, 1949 at the Fitchburg Nazarene Church in Fitchburg, MA and were blessed with over 69 years of happiness together. He also leaves his two loving children, Paul E. Klein of Myrtle Beach, SC and Pamela R. Klein and her fiancé, Albert Ellis, of Haverhill, MA; his three cherished grandchildren, Paul E. Klein, Jr., Julie Preece and Sean Connors; his four cherished great-grandchildren, Heidi Klein, William Preece, Brooks Connors and Rory Connors; and his many dear nephews, nieces, cousins, friends and extended members of the Klein and Bonnallie families. In addition to his parents, he was also predeceased by his loving daughter-in-law, Christine Klein who was Called Home on November 10, 2017; his three dear brothers, Philip Klein, Robert Klein and Richard “Dickie” Klein; and his dear sister, Evelyn. Family and friends are invited to attend a Committal Service on Monday, August 13, 2018 at 2 p.m. in the Chapel at the Massachusetts Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery, 1390 Main Street, Agawam, MA 01001. There are no visiting hours at the St. Pierre-Phaneuf Springfield Chapels, (413-737-1177), 7 Chapin Terrace, Springfield, MA 01107. In lieu of flowers, his family requests that memorial donations be made in his memory to the Evangelical Covenant Church, 915 Plumtree Road, Springfield, MA 01119. For more details, please visit: www.stpierrephaneuf.com
