Gerald Byrnes Klebe

Born on February 29, 1936, Gerald was a rare leap-year baby and the oldest of five brothers. He grew up in South Baltimore, in the family home attached to the corner grocery store his parents owned. A man of keen intelligence and lifelong curiosity, he earned degrees from Loyola College, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, and Johns Hopkins University.

Gerald had a varied and accomplished career. An aeronautical engineer, he worked at Vitro Laboratories in Maryland, and later served as a patent examiner at the U.S. Patent Office in Virginia. He also taught at both the college and high school levels, sharing his love of learning with his students.

Gerald also gave generously of his time to young athletes. He coached his daughters’ teams in softball and basketball, often writing detailed, handwritten notes to his players after every game, and he served for many years as a basketball referee. Together with Barbara, he helped build the Olney Mill Swim Team, where he also served as a meet official.

For decades, Gerald and Barbara turned Easter into a true family reunion. His egg hunts gathered the extended family together year after year, alongside Barbara's Easter buffet. Anyone who spent time with Gerald and his brothers knew the famous "Klebe laughter," which filled every room they shared and the Easter gatherings were no exception. Like Barbara, Gerald also loved the beach. He treasured their annual family vacations to Ocean City, Maryland, shared with dear college friends, the Crosbys, the Simons, and the Beltrams.

Above all, Gerald was devoted to Barbara, his wife of 60 years. He often called her "a phenomenal human being," and he meant it. He was a proud father and a thoughtful grandfather who loved to carefully choose every gift he gave, and read every book himself before giving it to his grandchildren.

Gerald was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Barbara, and his brothers, Oliver, Edmund, Frank, and Kirk. He is survived by his three daughters, Kathy Klebe, Lisa Elliott, and Rachel Ashby; his son-in-law, Steven Ashby; his sister-in-law, Linda Wheeler and her husband Greg Wheeler; and his nine grandchildren, Kayla Stanek, Lindsay Stanek, Savannah Elliott, Duncan Elliott, Caroline Ashby, Jefferson Ashby, Logan Elliott, Aspen Ashby, and Michael Ashby.

Gerald's love of learning, devotion to family, and laughter will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew him.