Peter Klein

April 27, 1948 - December 22, 2023

Born in New York, New York to Peter and Marilynn Klein, Peter passed away surrounded by his family in Fallbrook, California, following a sudden decline in his health. He was only 75 years of age.

Peter's life was marked by relationships that spanned decades including his beloved wife Denise of 53 years. After a six month courtship, they were engaged to be married and Denise returned home to Washington, DC for a few months. It was in these months that they wrote letters to one another and solidified the fact they never wanted to be apart for that long again. They were married in 1970 on the 'hottest day of the year' at Holy Family Catholic Church in South Pasadena. Friends and family flew in from around the country to celebrate their love. Together they forged friendships that carried them through the young years of dating and marriage, the years of raising children, and continued until his passing. In his young years, Peter was an active soul. He and Denise played volleyball, rode bikes, and enjoyed their dogs. They laughed easily and savored quality time with friends.

The years of raising children were full, but that did not affect his commitment to friendships. Every year, sometimes twice a year, our family camped with the family we chose - our dearest friends. The week spent at Refugio State Beach will forever be some of our best memories. The Rose Parade was another favorite of Peter's. He loved a good parade! When the kids were young, he would bring ladders and two by fours to set-up at our friend's house so all the young kinds could see over the crowds. As the kids all got older, his favorite thing to do was award a rating to each of the bands and floats. There were also USC vs UCLA football parties, spaghetti nights with Trivial Pursuit and cards, and celebrations that carried us through the years. As the circle of friendship expanded to include the Holy Family School community we added new traditions like Trick or Treating on Halloween and holiday dinners where his doors were open to everyone who wanted a seat at the table. He would build dining room table extensions made of plywood and blocks, sometimes the morning of a celebration to ensure that everyone had a seat. A self-described 'news junkie', Peter had the gift of being knowledgeable, passionate, and opinionated, but always able to connect with others. His strong convictions did not isolate those who thought differently, but rather allowed for lively, sometimes colorful, conversations.

Peter was also a devoted free thinker who forged his own path professionally be starting a laser engraving company that eventually morphed into specialty advertising. Peter arrived home one day to tell Denise that he bought a laser and that one laser became many, each was given a unique name, and the company grew to employ 35 people at its peak. Peter successfully ran Mission Laser Works for 35 years. While running Mission Laser Works, Peter served as president of the Specialty Advertising Association of California (SAAC). It was a big moment in his professional career when he was named an Honorary Life Member of SAAC. While doing all of this, he put all three kids through private school and took enormous pride in the success of both his business and his family.

After 45 years in their home in Alhambra, Peter and Denise made the move south to Fallbrook. They quickly developed a strong network of friends and neighbors. Peter loved the poker nights, golf outings, and parties hosted at one another's homes.

Peter became lovingly known as 'funny papa' to his grandchildren. He was protective and silly, always ready to play a game of 'Sorry!', but never willing to let anyone else win, children and grandchildren alike. Peter is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Denise; children Julianne (Ahan) Newman, Pete (Kimberly), Erica (Tyler) Huebner; eight grandchildren; his brother, Dennis Klein, as well as nieces, nephews, and many, many dear friends. He is preceded in death by his mother, father, and sister.