Gary Kleiman

May 25, 1953 – January

20, 2024

“NOW I UNDERSTAND” A man once said to me “… If everyone in the world were blind, people could see one another a lot more clearly, and there would be more love and less hate…” At the time I could see the man, But didn’t understand himNow I understand him, But can’t see him”

At age 6 and a half, Gary was diagnosed with diabetes. In the early years, he led a normal life centered around tennis and art. In the middle of his freshman year at Syracuse, he was to learn, his eyesight was diminishing.

Never allowing diabetes to define him, and with only one third of vision in one eye, Gary began to see life differently. This is evident in his poetry, his book, No Time To Lose, and his sculptures. Through sculpting, Gary had the opportunity to meet and become friends with some of the great artists of our time – Isamu Noguchi, Henry Moore and Dame Barbara Hepworth, who became a dear friend. Along the way, he found another calling.

Gary began counseling young children with diabetes. He wanted them to know they weren’t alone. This led to his passion to fight for a cure for this disease. He became an expert spokesperson about diabetes, “and a beacon of hope for anyone who met him.”

In 1973, Gary testified in front of a Congressional Committee about the impact diabetes had on his life and the lives of millions who were afflicted with this disease. Gary fought the fight valiantly. We can do no less until this disease is eradicated.

Gary was predeceased by his adored father, Marty Kleiman, and Dr. Daniel H. Mintz, cherished mentor and source of inspiration.

He is survived by his mother, Marge Kleiman Mintz, sons Ben and Daniel and their mother Chris McAliley, and his brother Glenn (Gisela Terner), nieces Alison (Rob Collier), Marley (Josh Ferfuson) and great nephew, August. Also survived by blended family: Dr. David Mintz (Anni) and family, Denise DiTolla (Jeffrey) and family, Debbie Mintz (David Jacobs) and family.

A celebration of the Life of Gary Kleiman will be held on Saturday, March 16, 2024.

Miami Shores Country Club 10000 Biscayne Blvd. Miami, Florida 33138

Arrival 10:30 AM Program begins 11:00 AM

Lunch to Follow

For a future free of diabetes, and if you are able, a donation would be greatly appreciated.

Diabetesresearch.org/in-memory-of-gary-kleiman

or call 954-964-4040