Norman W. Klein

Norman Klein, age 78, retired professor of Nutritional Sciences and Molecular and Cell Biology and past director of the Center of Environmental Health at the University of Connecticut, passed away peacefully on October 23 after a long illness. Sandy Schulte, his beloved companion of 24 years, pre-deceased him in July 2000. He is survived by sons Ronald, who is a sculptor living in Seattle, Washington, and David, a musician and music teacher in East Lansing, Michigan; and by his sister, June (Norwitt); Sandy's children Carin and Dirk Van Gelder and their children complete the circle of Norman's immediate family. Norman often spoke of the things that shaped his life. One was coming of age in San Francisco, where he was born February 6, l931. More important still were the values instilled by his father and mother who immigrated from Eastern Europe (Poland and Russia respectively) and who brought with them a passionate commitment to social justice. Norman's career at UConn--indeed his whole being--was informed by the social conscience of his father, the only dentist in the Bay area who would treat African-Americans and striking longshoremen. Fighting with the First Marine Division in the Korean War left a deep mark, too, one that confirmed his commitment to social equality and political activism. He lost several toes to frostbite at the battle of Chosin Reservoir, which left him with a deep skepticism about politicians who hurry to send young men off to fight and die. He was one of the first Korean vets to take advantage of the GI Bil -- receiving his Ph.D. in Nutrition at the University of California at Davis in 1960. After a post-doc at UConn from l960 to l964 and a stint as Assistant Professor of Biology at Marquette University, he returned to Storrs as a full-time faculty member in Biological Sciences and the field of Environmental Health. He retired in l997. During his thirty-year career at the University he published some fifty scientific papers and numerous chapters in leading scientific books. His scholarship brought him national and international recognition, but his greatest pleasure -- and perhaps his greatest accomplishment -- was teaching graduate students. He served as major advisor for 15 Ph.D. students, who now hold positions in some of the nation's leading universities and scientific institutions. As they will attest, he demanded as much of himself as he did of them. Working in Norm's lab made you a family member -- and got you an automatic ticket to some of the greatest parties in the history of the University. Witnessing Norm and Sandy preside over the festivities was a pleasure to behold and a memory to cherish. For on-line memorial guest book, please visit www.potterfuneralhome.com