Samuel Klafter

Samuel Klafter, originally from Rochester, NY, where he was an attorney for 40 years, died at home in Sarasota, FL on his 94th birthday, 9/17/2024. His is survived by his wife of nearly 57 years, Linda Fleck Klafter, 3 children and their spouses, Lynn Klafter Pierce (Thomas), Dr. Andrew Klafter (Jennifer), and Elizabeth Klafter Delman (Todd), 9 grandchildren, Ethan Pierce, Shaina Pierce Walsh (Frank), Shoshana Klafter (Zach Spero), Chasya Klafter, Tehilla Klafter, Meira Klafter, Shylee Delman Lebowitz (Azriel), Talia Delman, Roni Delman, and 4 great grandchildren, Frankie Walsh, Connor Walsh, Abigail Walsh, and Boaz Spero.

Sam had a warm and outgoing personality, loved being with people, and felt proud of what he had accomplished in life. He came from a family of limited means, the middle of three sons. He and his younger brother, Leonard were almost exactly one year apart in age, were extremely close and were ambitious to help the family. They worked part time from the age of 14, bought their own clothes, and developed a work ethic that carried into adulthood, both becoming highly successful in their careers. Sam often told the story of his first paycheck of $2, which he used to buy his mother a house gift. He always remembered the good feeling he had.

He was a restless student in school. At the age of ten, he was diagnosed with rheumatic fever and confined to bedrest for a year. This contributed to his restlessness; he became an avid reader, which stood him in good stead for a lifetime. He was drafted into the US Army during the Korean conflict. Though he served stateside, he credits this period with “making a man” of him. He learned to get along with all sorts of people in varied situations and to take on large responsibilities. The biggest benefit was the GI Bill, enabling him to attend the University of Rochester at night, while working during the day. From there he went to Albany Law School. At the suggestion of a new friend he met in line at registration, he enquired about scholarship money from the Rochester alumni group and received full tuition for all three years. He was the only one who had enquired, thus received it all; this was a great lesson for him, and throughout his life, he conversed with people, “picking their brains,” gaining information and following through.

He enjoyed the practice of law and developed close relationships with some of his favorite clients. He also learned from them and became a skilled investor in real estate.

As a young man, still in school, Sam was married to Flora Heyman of Elmira, New York. They adopted an infant girl, Lynn Eve. After twelve years of marriage, Flora died from kidney disease after two unsuccessful transplants. In 1967, he met and married Linda Fleck, who immediately adopted Lynn. They went on to have two more children, Andrew and Elizabeth. Linda and Sam had the same attitude toward life: live it fully! They enjoyed a lot of good luck, healthy children, comfortable lives, travel and seeing the success of their children as adults. Nine grandchildren were the frosting on the cake. They were Sam’s pride and joy and gave him a great sense of legacy. In recent years, the birth of 4 great grandchildren was an unexpected bonus.

Sam cherished his friends. Moving to Sarasota in 1996, he embarked on a whole new social life, acquiring wonderful new friends. He also had a new religious life thanks to membership in Chabad of Sarasota. At age 83, he celebrated the Bar Mitzvah he had missed as a youngster due to illness. This added a whole new dimension to his life.

We remember him as someone who loved life, loved his wife and family, was an engaging story teller of events in his life, and had a full life, missing nothing.

Funeral service for Samuel was held Thursday, September 19, 2024 at 10:00 AM at Robert Toale & Sons, 170 Honore ave, Sarasota, FL 34232. Following the funeral service will be a graveside service at 11:00 AM at Palm - Robarts Memorial Park, Fruitville Rd, Sarasota, FL 34232.