David Lawrence Klein

David L. Klein, 76, a longtime Ithaca resident, passed away July 19 in Stamford, CT.  The cause of death was aspiration pneumonia, a complication of Parkinson's Disease.

David was born December 23, 1947 in Brooklyn, NY, the son of Stanley H. Klein and Audrey M. Greenberg. David grew up in Jamaica Estates, the youngest of three children in a classic mid-century house designed by his father, sparking David’s life-long interest in architecture. He graduated in 1965 from Woodmere Academy on Long Island, and received a B. Arch degree from Cornell University in 1970.  He practiced architecture in Elmira, NY from 1973 until 2017, first as a partner in the firm Cassetti/Klein, and later at his own firm, DLK/Architecture. David served as a past president of the New York State chapter of the AIA, the professional organization of architects. His longtime clients included Corning Inc. and Elmira College. He was most proud though of his historic preservation work, including pro bono assistance to restore the John W. Jones home in Elmira for a museum on the Underground Railroad, and Mr. Jones’ role in helping more than 800 slaves escape to freedom.

With a strong belief in the importance of civic duty, David served the Town of Ithaca for 41 years in various elected positions on the Planning Board and Town Board, and most recently, as Town Justice before retiring in December 2022. David also volunteered with Tompkins Learning Partners, where he enjoyed teaching English and US government to adults seeking American citizenship. In November 2023, he was honored with a Cornell Town-Gown award in recognition of his civic leadership spanning four decades.

As a kid, David enjoyed all sports, and would fondly talk about childhood summers spent at Camp Oquago in the Catskills where he played tennis, basketball and baseball, swam in the lake, made dozens of friends, and starred in summer plays. He amusingly recalled dying his hair black and learning to play the guitar one summer, cast for the lead role of Elvis Presley’s Conrad Birdie, in the camp’s version of the musical, Bye Bye Birdie.

As a sophomore at Cornell, David met his future wife and the love of his life, Darlene Lynch, whom he married in 1969; they were married for 54 years until her unexpected passing nine months ago.

As a young couple, David and Darlene enjoyed showing Afghan hounds and owned two horses. In later years they showed greyhounds, with David serving as president of the Greyhound Club of America. As father to Bridget and Casey, David was a kind and gentle parent, rarely getting mad or complaining. He doted on his children’s athletic and professional pursuits, and later enjoyed watching his granddaughters’ sports performances, plays, and concerts. David loved talking Mets baseball, debating politics, playing trivia, doing yard work (most recently planting 100+ tulips), and enjoying good food with good friends.

He is predeceased by his parents and brother, Michael Klein. He is survived by daughter Bridget Klein Curry (Tim) of Stamford, CT; son Casey Lynch Klein of Washington, DC; granddaughters Caroline and Katherine Curry of Stamford, CT; sister Roberta Klein of San Diego, CA; and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews whom he loved dearly.

Calling hours will be held at Bangs Funeral Home in Ithaca on July 31, 3-5 pm. A celebration of David’s life will take place at a future date.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in David’s honor to: the Parkinson’s Foundation (https://www.parkinson.org), the Brain Support Network (https://www.brainsupportnetwork.org/donate/), or Tompkins Learning Partners (https://tlpartners.org). Online condolences at www.bangsfuneralhome.com