Carl W. Klein

Carl William “Pete” Klein, 80, died unexpectedly on Sunday, June 30th, 2024. He was born January 6, 1944 in McKeesport, Pennsylvania. Pete was the beloved husband of Gwynn Davis-Klein, whom he had known for over 50 years and his partner in adventure in his twilight years.

Pete served in the Navy during the Vietnam war on the USS Independence (CV-62) Aircraft Carrier, receiving the National Defense Service and the Vietnam Service Medals, as well as the Navy Unit Commendation Ribbon for his service. Upon leaving military service, Pete trained as a machinist and would spend his entire career working diligently (often two jobs) to support his family.

He was married to Carol Soliday for over 30 years and they had four daughters who would bless them with twelve Grandchildren and six Great-Grandchildren. Carol predeceased Pete in 2009. Gwynn and Pete reconnected and grew close as they shared the challenging experience of grieving a spouse prematurely. Together they were active in accompanying others through their grief groups, New Beginnings and Friends Forever, where they developed several close friendships. For many years they were active in wine tasting groups that would be the catalyst for numerous, lasting friendships and many adventures.

All who knew him would agree that Pete was a quiet, gentle man who was humble and never spoke an ill word about anyone. He had an unexpectedly witty sense of humor, loved being surrounded by friends and family and enjoyed riding his Harley-Davidson. He was kind and always sought to help anyone in need. Most notably, in spite of being from Pennsylvania, Pete was a die-hard fan of the Cleveland Browns who never missed a game or an opportunity to cheer them on. If he has anything to say about it, he will guide them to victory from the afterlife!

About eight years ago, his health began to deteriorate due to a failing heart and advanced COPD. Although Pete was not eligible for a heart transplant, he was the fortunate recipient of an LVAD (Left Ventricular Assisted Device) that extended his life for more than 7 years. The VA’s LVAD Team, specialized to care for him provided exceptional support to both he and Gwynn for all these years.

In spite of the physical limitations in these latter years that prevented him from the social interactions he had so enjoyed, Pete welcomed the visits of friends at home and was always deeply grateful for Gwynn’s tireless care and devotion to him. He was thankful for the friends that continued to visit him at home regularly these past years, and especially to his grandson, Richard, who was always readily available to complete various tasks around their home and property.

Pete’s final message for all of us, would be to love each other deeply, be gracious, patient and forgiving towards one another and laugh heartily, surrounding yourself with loving friends and a devoted partner at your side!

Pete was preceded in death by his parents, Mary and Carl Klein, His first wife Carol, his sister Carol Klein Thompson. He is survived by his wife Gwynn Davis-Klein, his sister, Joan Schulz (Gustave - deceased) of Montana, his daughters Karla Walls (Dale), Jackie Ammons (Rudy), Susie Lane (Ron) and Lori Klein, Step-children Tim Morgan (Billie), Kelly Rorrer (David), grandchildren Richard Walls (Vicki), Courtney Ketchum (Kevin), Jessica, Ashley and Allison Walls, Alex, Zach, Emily and Drew Lane, Callie Klein, Carlie Jolly, and Alisha Klein, step-grandchildren Allyson Mast (Steven), Travis Morgan, Kayla Rorrer (Dillon Hughes), great grandchildren Alana and Kayla Stadelman, Jacob, Brandon, Ryan and Amber Walls, step-great grandchildren Emersyn and Weston Mast and Madelyn Hughes.

Family and friends will be received Thursday, August 1st from 6 to 8 p.m. at Hopkins Lawver Funeral Home, 547 Canton Rd. Akron, OH 44312. Interment will take place Friday, August 2nd at 1:15 p.m. at Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery, 10175 Rawiga Rd. Seville, OH 44273. 

In lieu of flowers the family requests donations in Pete’s Memory to: Springfield Twp Fire & EMS, 2459 Canfield Rd, Akron OH 44312; Lakemore Dogs Homeward Bound, 2214 Canton Rd, Akron OH 44312; Disabled American Veterans (DAV) Summit County Chapter 35, 1060 E Waterloo Rd, Akron OH 44306