It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Jacob Kleiner. Born on March 14, 1935, Jack's life was marked by intelligence, creativity, resiliency and a love of life. He passed away on April 25, 2021, leaving behind his loving family and an indelible legacy.

Surviving Jacob are his wife, Helene Kleiner; daughters, Sonia Kleiner-Arje and Odine Bonthrone; sons-in-law, Roy Arje and David Bonthrone; and grandchildren, Maxwell and Charlotte Bonthrone; his brother David Kleiner and sister Rivka Porat and his extended family of nieces and nephews and their families totaling over 35 members and growing. Jack is predeceased by his beloved parents Baila and Mordechai Kleiner and his brother and sister-in-law Aaron and Chaviva Keren (Kleiner). His family was the cornerstone of his life, and his dedication to them will always be remembered.

Jack's remarkable story began when he escaped Nazi-occupied Poland in 1939 from his family owned apple orchard in Tishowitz, Poland. In cattle trains crowded with other Polish refugees, the Kleiner family traveled through Moscow, Uzbekistan, Bukhara and ended up in Kagen. After the war, Jack lived in German DP camps until, after being turned away from the overcrowded SS Exodus, the Kleiner family landed in Haifa, Israel, in 1948 via the ship "Galila." After being drafted into the Israeli Army in 1952, Jack’s creativity and passion for the arts shone through, with his first art show taking place in 1953 (link to Jack’s Gallery of art; https://jk-gallery-14.webnode.page/our-services/) and his development of a patent for an automated telephone cable tester in 1958. He graduated from the Technion - Israel Institute of Technology in 1961 before marrying Helene in 1962, and together they immigrated to America in 1964.

Jack's incredible work ethic, inventiveness, and intelligence led him to achieve great success as an independent contractor, electrician and later as a business man and real estate developer. He had a fondness for French Impressionist, Cubist and Expressionist art forms and loved listening to Frank Sinatra and Opera. He especially admired Claude Monet's works and was moved by Picasso’s anti-war painting, Guernica. He deeply loved his wife and children and worked tirelessly, with a smile and love in his big heart, to give them the best that life offers. His grandchildren, Max & Charlie were the joys of his life.

Jack lived life to the fullest, traveling, exploring, learning and indulging in great food, rich life experiences and Remy Martin Louis XIII Cognac. He loved soccer, dancing, playing roulette, inventing and painting, and the classic movie Casablanca. His favorite ways to unwind included sitting on the beach, painting and enjoying the beauty of the French Riviera. He had a deep appreciation for quality workmanship and building things to last. His mantra was "Never Fear, Jack is Here" because he could fix anything and excelled at everything.

Described by others as witty, intelligent, educated, courageous, perceptive, adventurous, spontaneous, vivacious, playful, and loving, Jack touched the lives of all who knew him. He instilled in his loved ones the belief that life is beautiful, and that there is always a solution to every problem.

Jack Kleiner will forever be remembered not only for his incredible personal journey but also for the love, tenacity, and generosity he shared with his family and friends. His legacy as an artist, inventor, explorer, originator, developer, husband, father, and grandfather will live on in the hearts of those who loved him.

Jack's favorite aria, Nessun Dorma, sums up his life: Determination despite severe obstacles, a life full of hope..."Laugh and sing in the sun, our infinite happiness, Glory to you! Glory to you!"

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