Paul Martin Klein

Born in Newark at Beth Israel Hospital, Paul graduated from Hillside High School in 1966 and went on to earn his BA in Political Science in 1970 from C.W. Post College of Long Island University. In 1973 he received a JD from Rutgers School of Law—Newark, where he met the love of his life, Harriet Farber Klein. The two were married on September 9, 1973 and last year celebrated their 50-year wedding anniversary.

Paul was a dedicated career public servant, spending approximately 30 years at the New Jersey Office of the Public Defender, Appellate Section, in Newark. For a period of time he handled death penalty cases, and presented arguments before the United States Supreme Court in Washington, D.C. He also appeared before the New Jersey Supreme Court and frequently in the State appellate courts. Toward the end of his career, he worked in the Office of the Law Guardian, representing abused children in termination of parental rights cases. Those clients, in particular, received the benefits of Paul’s compassionate nature and kind heart.

Most importantly, Paul was dedicated to his family. The son of the late Annette Kaufman Klein and Harold Klein, he visited his mother in the nursing home on a virtual daily basis for four years until her death. He was a devoted father to two sons and a delighted Grandpa to two granddaughters with whom he did not get enough time to share, due to the pandemic and progressing illness.

Paul was an active member of Congregation B’nai Israel in Millburn, a former officer and member of its Board of Trustees, and a current member of the Men’s’ Club. He sang in the synagogue choir, and shared his rich bass voice in other places as well. He was named to the New Jersey Boys’ All-State Chorus in high school, and as an adult sang in what was formerly known as the Collegiate Chorale (now MasterVoices) founded by Robert Shaw, with several performances annually in Carnegie Hall and other venues.

Surviving are his wife, Harriet of Summit, NJ; his sons, Andrew (Emma) of Durham, NC and Zachary, of New York City; his granddaughters, Nora and Eliana; his brother, Steven (Arlene) of Maplewood, NJ, many dear cousins, nieces and nephews and the numerous friends who all will miss Paul’s acerbic wit and bone dry humor.