David Arthur Klein, PhD

David Arthur Klein, PhD, died in Wilmington, North Carolina on October 11, 2026, aged 86. He was born on January 21, 1940, in New York City, and spent his youth in Kearny, New Jersey, and Wilmington, Delaware. He earned an undergraduate degree in chemistry at the College of Wooster, in Ohio, where he met his wife, Charlotte. He earned a PhD in organic chemistry at the University of Rochester in 1965, studying under Marshall Gates, PhD, the first person to synthesize morphine. David's doctoral thesis focused on thebaine, a morphine derivative, and his family named their first cat Thebaine. David spent his entire career as a research chemist with DuPont, first in Wilmington, Delaware, then in Victoria, Texas, and finally in Wilmington, North Carolina from 1976 until retirement in 1998. He recorded two patents, authored several publications, and contributed to innovations involving Nylon, Kevlar, and Mylar.

Outside of chemistry, David pursued a wide range of interests. He was a lifelong tournament bridge player, earning the rank of Platinum Life Master with over 14,000 Master Points, and serving on committees of the American Contract Bridge League. He was a member of American Mensa. His other passions included offshore fishing and boating, N-scale model railroads, hot rods and drag racing, and gardening and landscaping. An active member of First Presbyterian Church, he served as Deacon and in other leadership and committee roles, and sang in the chancel choir for 42 years alongside his beloved wife, Charlotte. Together they shared a deep love for the church’s music program, and donated a Kawai piano, as well as a set of Schulmerich handbells.

David was preceded in death by his parents, Ivan J. Klein and Winnie Glancy Klein; his daughter, Marjorie Sharon Klein; and his wife of 55 years, Charlotte Berry Klein. He is survived by his sister, Susan Wright Pederson of Chestertown, Maryland; his brother, Edward John Klein of Vero Beach, Florida; his son, Timothy Marshall Klein of Vancouver, Washington; and his daughter, Brenda Benicia Klein, and her husband, Sina Ghaemmaghami, of Rochester, New York; and several nieces and a nephew. A memorial service will be held on Thursday, October 29, at 3:00 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church, 125 S. 3rd St., Wilmington, NC 28401. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions be made to Lower Cape Fear LifeCare (www.lifecare.org).