Frank S. Klein passed away at his home on January 12. 2019. He was born February 16, 1926 in New Philadelphia, Ohio to Clarence and Gladys Klein. He was preceded in death by his parents, his first wife Patricia (Diamond) Klein, a son William Robert Klein, daughter-in-law Mary Rita Klein, and a daughter Tracy Klein.
He is survived by his wife Jane Klein, his daughter Andrea Klein, granddaughters Catherine Klein, Patricia Russell (Ryan), Rachael Klein, great grandchildren Trent Patterson, Preston Russell, Anya Russell, Keith Tolbert, Zachary Tolbert, stepdaughter Terry Springer (Stephen) and their daughters Tessa, Kirstin, and Sarah Springer, stepson David Grant (Melissa), and his sons Joseph Grant and Christopher Grant (Cathy).
Upon graduation from Cuyahoga Falls High School during World War II, Frank was drafted into the Army. Following his discharge he enrolled at Kent State University where he excelled not only scholastically but also athletically as an outstanding tackle on their varsity football team. Frank, with other Kent students, founded Phi Gamma Theta Fraternity that later merged with Phi Delta Theta. He taught a few months, then decided to pursue a military career. His ROTC training at Kent State qualified him to enlist as a lieutenant in the Army’s officer training program and he quickly rose through the ranks. He served in Korea and in Vietnam. Frank retired in 1970 as a Lieutenant Colonel working at the Pentagon in Army Aviation. He then took over operation of The Bookseller, Inc., a shop specializing in used and rare books that he and his father had established in the 1940s. Frank’s daughter Andrea now operates The Bookseller, Inc. located in the Wallhaven area.
Until his health failed, Frank was very active in several book-related organizations. With some he founded NOBS (Northeast Ohio Booksellers Society). He was a member of the ABAA (Antiquarian Booksellers Association of America) and was recognized locally and nationally as an expert in the field of antiquarian books and ephemera.
Family will receive friends on Saturday, January 19th, from 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. with A Celebration of Frank’s Life at 1:00 p.m. at Rose Hill Funeral Home 3653 W. Market Street, Akron, Ohio 44333. Memories and condolences may be shared at www.rosehillbp.com
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to NOBS, c/o Jane McCullam, 9880 Fairmount Road, Newbury, Ohio 44065, or Special Collections Fund, Kent State University, Kent, Ohio 44242.