Joseph M. Klein

POLAND - Joseph Michael Klein passed away peacefully on May 5, 2025, just 6 days shy of his 85th birthday. He is survived by his wife and love of his life of 45 years, Lois, as well as four stepchildren - Deborah Vesy, Rick Vesy (LuAnn), Valerie McElroy ( Max) and Chris Vesy (Al Roller), and four grandchildren.

Joe’s greatest joy was to have a family. He and Lois married on June 2, 1979 and he embraced her four children, giving them each cherished nicknames - Deborah (my pet), Rick (bonding son), Valerie (maverick daughter) and Chris (the chosen one).

Joe is the son of an immigrant family from Transylvania that came to the United States through Ellis Island. They settled on the east side of Youngstown, where Joe graduated from East High School.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Michael Klein and Helen (Sanders) Klein, and his five siblings - Michael, John, Rudy, Matilda and Mary Kathryn. From his first marriage he is preceded in death by a son Joey and survived by a son Todd and three grandchildren.

Joe enlisted in the U.S, Army in 1959 and rose to the rank of E4. He was stationed in France and Germany from 1959 to 1962.

Upon returning home, Joe started his 40 year career as a railroad conductor. He hired in with the Baltimore & Ohio at the Hazleton yard in Youngstown. He ended his career with the Chessie system at CSX in New Castle - Mahoningtown yard. He retired in 2002 at the age of 62.

Joe was a long-time member of Martin Luther Lutheran Church in Youngstown Ohio. He served as an usher and counter. He and his wife Lois started the church’s annual Trash and Treasure sale and led that effort for 30 years.

Joe fondly recalled his family travels to Europe. He and his wife Lois always brought home a nativity as a remembrance. They amassed quite a collection and held a Nativity Open House in their home for many years. Joe was the official tour guide.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, June 7, 2025 at Martin Luther Lutheran Church, 420 Clearmount Drive, Youngstown, Ohio. Visitation will be from 10:00 to 11:00 am with the service to follow at 11:00 am. A luncheon will be held in Fellowship Hall immediately following.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Martin Luther Lutheran Church or Shepherd of the Valley Poland, 301 W. Western Reserve Rd., Poland, OH 44514.

Arrangements were handled by Higgins-Reardon Funeral Home, Poland Chapel.