William Klinghoffer

William Klinghoffer was born on June 5, 1934 in Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania to Helen Louise Doughtery and Joseph Klinghoffer.  His father and mother were both from Newark, New Jersey.  His paternal grandparents were Hyman and Katherine Klinghoffer. His maternal grandmother was Lena Girdion. He had a younger sister, Rhoda Greenberg. Bill passed on September 27, 2019 at the age of 85.

He grew up in Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania and Wheeling, West Virgina where he attended Triadelphia High School and he participated in football, baseball and swimming.  

Bill attended college at West Virginia University. During his second year he joined the Army where he was a personnel clerk from 1954 to 1956. After his service, Bill returned to West Virginia University where he met Jean, his wife to be. He then followed Jean to California and they got married on Sept 23, 1957. Bill graduated with a degree in teacher education and history.  He then got his M.A. from Los Angeles State University.

Throughout his life, Bill kept busy. He started as a young boy cutting grass and working in his father’s magazine and fabricating businesses.  In college he was a truck driver, swim instructor, and lifeguard. His real career began in 1965 teaching second graders. He went on to teach science and mathematics at the high school and college level. In addition to teaching, Bill was highly involved in the teacher’s union.

Bill was passionate about two things in life, golf and music. He was an excellent golfer and won numerous trophies. In 1999 Bill and his friends created a nonprofit organization called Friends of Jazz. Jazz was one of Bill’s passions in life and he always believed in supporting the arts in education. Friends of Jazz has touched the lives of well over 500,000 musicians through school music programs and scholarships.

Bill was a loving and caring family man, and had a great sense of humor. He and Jean enjoyed hosting events at their home and being involved in their community. 

Bill will be greatly missed. He is survived by his wife, Jean, son Jeffrey, daughters Karen and Jenifer, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. To honor his memory, in lieu of flowers, kindly donate to Friends of Jazz P.O. Box 5671, Fullerton, CA 92838-0671 or online Donation | Friends Of Jazz Inc.