Dr. Michael Allen Klein., Age 73, of Powell, Ohio, passed away on Wednesday, February 1, 2023 at Ohio Health Kobacker House Hospice Care Center following a short illness. He was born on August 19, 1949, in Phillipsburg, PA., the son of the late Isadore and Dorothy Klein (Stein). Mike was a respected professor and expert in the field of disability. He earned his Bachelor's, Master's and doctorate degrees in Rehabilitation from Penn State University. Mike started his career as a professor at the University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, and for more than 25 years worked and taught at The Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio.
In addition to his teaching duties, Mike was a respected expert in the field of social security disability benefits and loved to help people navigate through the complicated process of securing the assistance they needed in their time of difficulty. He spent the last few years as a consultant to Police and Fire Pension of Ohio and the Social Security Administration. He always kept busy and enjoyed learning and reading.
Mike, at an early age, discovered the joy of amateur ham radio and received his operating license at age 12. Mike loved to be outdoors, enjoying nature with his family, walking in parks and on trails and looking at birds, trees and flowers. Mike enjoyed sharing a good joke, laughing and spending time with his beloved wife, Kathy. Family was Mike's focus, doting on his wife, daughter and granddaughter. He was always kind, a good friend and helpful when anyone was in need of an encouraging word, advice and positive presence.
Mike is survived by his wife of 50 years, Kathleen (Patton); daughter, Jennifer Klein; son-in-law Matthew Griffith; granddaughter, Lillian; brother, Edward Klein (Molly); niece Alyssa Cholodofsky (Rich); and nephews Fax Rector III (Lori) and Erik Rector; and several great nieces and nephews. He will be greatly missed by all.
A Memorial Service will be planned in the Spring. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Columbus Area United Way or the OhioHealth Kobacker House.