Paul Stephen Kleiner
Paul Stephen Kleiner peacefully passed away in his home on January 11, 2026 while surrounded by his beloved family. He was 80 years old.
Paul cherished every moment he spent with his wife, Marilyn, and often expressed how he wished for more time together. In his final days, he was embraced by the laughter and love of those closest to him. He was truly a treasure to his family and friends and will be missed beyond words.
Born in Brooklyn, New York, on January 25, 1945, Paul was the beloved son of Florence and Jean Macho. An only child, his early life in Flatbush, Brooklyn was filled with adoration, though it was marked by tragedy when he lost his father at the tender age of 9. Florence later found happiness again with her second husband, Julius Kleiner, who adopted Paul and loved him as his own.
Paul attended the New York Military Academy, where he earned high honors and demonstrated exemplary leadership. He went on to attend Penn State University, majoring in economics—though he would often joke that he majored in Marilyn, who he met during his sophomore year.
Paul married Marilyn Scott on August 5, 1967. Their love story spanned over 60 years, making Marilyn his forever girlfriend and the light and love of his life. They were blessed with two daughters: Julie Lynn and Kristen Sue.
Paul was a dedicated career employee of American Can Company. His employment led the family to a new adventure with a big move to the gateway of the west. They made a home in St. Louis, Missouri where he advanced his career and education, earning his Master’s degree from Webster University. After both daughters began their adult lives, Paul proudly accepted a transfer back to the East Coast with American Can Company. He retired after 31 years with the company, but that wasn’t the end. After his successful career, he was recruited by Cumberland Packing to rejoin the workforce. This allowed him to revisit his roots in Brooklyn while maintaining their home in New Jersey. Paul and Marilyn enjoyed six glorious months switching between their Park Slope “pad” and their home in Ringoes. Paul was thrilled at the chance to relive his favorite childhood memories with Marilyn, and they frequented Prospect Park, the Brooklyn Museum, and the Brooklyn Botanical Garden.
The Kleiner home, whether in New Jersey, Missouri, or Brooklyn, was known for its warmth, laughter, and the joyful sounds of friends and family. His greatest happiness came from gathering his loved ones together.
Paul is survived by his devoted wife, Marilyn, his daughters Julie and Kristen, son-in-laws Neil and Tim, his grandchildren Grace, Chloe, Jonathon, Ryan, and his step-grandchildren Nick, and Cody.
Paul was a loyal, kind, and generous man who loved deeply; his absence will be profoundly felt by all who knew him. He was the life of the party. In true Kleiner style, a Celebration of Life will be held in his honor at his home on January 25th from 1-4pm, what would have been his 81st birthday.
