Raphael ‘Raphy’ Klein, 90, of Hunter
Raphael “Raphy” Klein, age 90, of Hunter, N.Y., passed away on Nov. 17, 2017.
Born on the kitchen table on May 2, 1927, he was the son of the late Phillip and Freida Klein. Raphy was a lifelong resident of Hunter, N.Y.
In 1945, at age 17, he joined the U.S. Navy. His mother, Frieda, picked up his diploma while he was deployed, serving on the U.S.S. Helena.
After serving in the Navy, Raphy entered the movie business. Klein Theaters was established in 1948. Raphy was president and partner with his brother, Morris Klein. The owned and operated both indoor and outdoor movie theaters throughout Upstate New York.
Raphy met his wife, Gloria, in Hunter, N.Y.; they were married in 1950. They raised their family together while owning and managing Fun-Tyme Ski Shop in Hunter and operating drive-in movie theaters. Raphy had a passion for Democratic politics. He served as the chairman of the Greene County Democratic Committee for eight years and as temporary chairman of the New York State Democratic Party. He served 20 years on the New York State Bridge Authority and eventually served its highest position as chairman for several years.
Over his lifetime on the mountain top, he was a member of the Hunter Fire Department for over 50 years, a charter member of both the Mountain Top Lions Club and the Hunter Civic Association. He was also a member of the American Legion and was Greene County Chairman of the United Jewish Appeal. Raphy was a member of the Hunter Synagogue and the Woodstock Jewish Congregation.
Raphy leaves his wife of 67 years, Gloria (Kerner) Klein; his daughters, Phyllis (Alan) Klein Gerstein and Jacalyn (James) Jackson; his four granddaughters, Farrin (Matthew) Wagoner, Jeanne (William) Uldrich, Brianne Valerio, and Amanda Kukle; four great-grandchildren, Mason, Navin, Juliannah, and Tucker; as well as many close friends. Raphy was dearly loved by his family and friends and will be missed every day.
A funeral service will be held at the Hunter Synagogue, 7879 Main St., Hunter, N.Y., on Sunday, Nov. 19, 2017, at 1 p.m., with a luncheon to follow at Hunter Mountain. Shiva will be observed Monday and Tuesday from 4-7 p.m. at the residence, 117 Glen Ave., Hunter, N.Y.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Greene County Women’s League.
Arrangements are by Aston-Basagic Funeral Home, Hunter, N.Y.