Frank V. Klein, Sr.

Frank V. Klein, Sr., of Easton died Monday June 29, 2009 at HeartFields in Easton. He was 77 years old. Born in Mount Carmel, Pa. on September 5, 1931, Mr. Klein was the son of the late, Harry V. Klein, Sr. and Margaret Corcoran Klein. He was a 1949 graduate of Mount Carmel Catholic High School in Mount Carmel, Pa. Mr. Klein graduated from St. Francis College (now University) in Loretto, PA in 1953 with a Bachelors Degree in economics. He joined the US Army in 1953 and served in Korea with the 425th Transportation Traffic Regulation Group as part of United Nations forces involved in the Korean Conflict. He was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, the United Nations Service Medal, and the Korean Service Medal. After Army service, Mr. Klein returned to Pennsylvania and began work with Shirk’s Motor Express trucking company of Lancaster. He married Mary Ann Kuzemchak on September 21, 1957. Mr. Klein accepted a traffic management position with Preston Trucking Company in Preston, Maryland, which began a 35-year career with “The 151 Line” culminating as Vice President – Pricing. He also served as chairman or president of several national transportation governing boards including the National Motor Freight Traffic Association, Eastern Central Motor Carriers Association, and the Southern Motor Carriers Association. He retired from Preston Trucking Company in 1993. Frank loved trains and railroading, was an avid history buff, and treasured the trips and cookouts he made with his family. He was an active member of Saints Peter and Paul Catholic parish, where he served in various volunteer positions including parish council president. He was passionately patriotic, serving as a lifetime member of American Legion Talbot Post 70 which he commanded from 1999 to 2000, as lifetime fourth degree Knight of Columbus in Father Joseph Mosley Assembly 1929 of Easton, a member of the E.E. Streets Memorial Post 5118, V.F.W., and on the service academy nominating committee for Congressman Wayne Gilchrest. In addition to his beloved wife of 52 years, Mary Ann, Frank is survived by his sister, Barbara K. Schmit of Milwaukee, Wisconsin; son, Frank Jr. and his wife, Rear Admiral Margaret D. Klein, USN of Norfolk, VA; daughter, Cathy of Easton; son, Dick and wife, Kris of Colorado Springs, CO; daughter, Peggy and husband, Tony Bibbo of Pasadena, MD; and daughter, Celia of Charlotte, NC; and grandchildren Brendan (Jenna), Caroline, James, Emily, Anthony, and Julianna. He was preceded in death by his brother, Harry V. Klein, Jr. Friends may call Sunday, July 5, 2009 from 2 – 4 PM and from 6 – 8 PM at Fellows, Helfenbein, & Newnam Funeral Home, 200 S. Harrison St., in Easton. A Funeral liturgy will be celebrated Monday, July 6, 2009 at 10 AM at St. Michael’s Mission Chapel of Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Parish, 109 Lincoln Avenue, St. Michaels, MD, followed by an interment ceremony at the Maryland Eastern Shore Veterans Cemetery in Hurlock. In lieu of flowers, the family requests sending memorial donations to American Legion Talbot Post 70, 29511 Canvasback Drive, Easton, MD 21601, or to Saints Peter & Paul Catholic Parish, 7906 Ocean Gateway, Easton, MD 21601.

Frank V. Klein, Sr.

September 5, 1931 - June 29, 2009