Philip J. Klein

Philip J. Klein, 72, of Syracuse, passed away on Wednesday at St. Joseph’s Hospital with his family by his side. He lost a long, hard battle with cancer that he fought with courage and dignity to this punishing illness. His concerns were always of his family, setting an example that makes him a true hero to all who knew and loved him. Phil was born on May 8, 1944 in Syracuse, NY. He joined the 108th NY Air National Guard in 1965 serving his basic training at Lackland AFB in Texas then on to technical training at Keesler AFB in Mississippi. There he earned a “red rope” which is one of 5 colored ropes awarded. Red being the highest level of achievement which meant he took command of all airmen on his shift. He was Honorably Discharged as Staff Sergeant. Phil became a sheet metal apprentice and belonged to Local 58 working for Bon Air on Canal St. He started his own company along with partner, John Merkly, known as CES, Custom Environmental Systems. There were many community projects such as Centro Bus Garage, City Hall renovation, and several schools, hospitals, and Syracuse University projects. The largest being the HVAC responsible for raising the canvas that was to become the Carrier Dome. The day it became a dome, Phil had the privilege of being on the canvas as the air started to raise it up. It was a thrilling ride to have been part of such a wonderful Syracuse historical event. Later in his career he went on to manage all new construction building dealerships for the Sam Dell Group along the East Coast, and the building project for Backus Ford. He also was the construction manager for Unique Design and Development and S.J. Thomas. Phil will best be remembered for always being a friend; he was kind, fun loving, and always enjoying life to the fullest. He was predeceased by his parents, Philip J. and Pansy I. Klein, and Donald T. McKinnon who became his second father and raised him from the age of 11. Phil is survived by his wife of 50 years, Judy (Barber) Klein; his son, Philip Jacob Klein III; his daughter, Deborah (Paul) Messena; grandchildren, Julia and Samuel Messena; his sister, Sister Philip Marie, OSF. He is also survived by Barbara (Klein) McKinnon, who went on to raise him as her son, along with the three sisters that entered his life at that time, Debra (Jack) Rotondo, Linda McKinnon, and Edie (John) Verone; his mother-in-law, Fanny Barber; in-laws, John and Marion Rotondo and Cheryl Barber; many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Funeral services will be held at 9:00 AM on Tuesday, January 31, 2017 at the THOMAS J. PIRRO JR. FUNERAL HOME, followed by a Funeral Mass in celebration of Phil’s life at 10:00 AM in Our Lady of Pompei/St. Peter Church. Entombment will follow in Woodlawn Cemetery Mausoleum. Family and friends may call from 4:00 – 7:00 PM on Monday, January 30, 2017 at the funeral home, 3401 Vickery Rd. (corner of Buckley Rd.) North Syracuse, NY. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, PO Box 758516, Topeka, KS 66675-8516, a foundation very dear to Phil’s heart, for the good and services they provide for our veterans.

Philip J. Klein

May 8, 1944 - January 25, 2017