KLEINERMAN, Edward

Evergreen Mortuary, Tucson, Arizona ~ October 12th 2009 Edward Kleinerman passed away at home on October 11 at the age of 85. Ed was born on January 24, 1923, in Brooklyn, New York, and is survived by his “bride” of 61 years, Joan, daughter Ellen, son Arnold and grandson Andy. He is predeceased by parents Morris and Bess Kleinerman and sister Elyse Cohen. Ed’s family moved to Arizona in 1933 and he attended Roskruge and graduated the University of Arizona. Ed was a man of many accomplishments and talents. One of the proudest periods of his life was serving his country as Captain in the United States Marines, first as a flight instructor during WWII and later as a combat pilot in the Korean War. In between these two wars, he met his future wife, Joan Semilof, at the U of A and, with his father, opened Sterling Furniture Company. Ed and Joan were married on December 25, 1947. Ed’s passion for flying started young and lasted a lifetime. He loved flying his small plane, whether it was rescue missions over the waters of the Gulf of California looking for lost American fishermen or afternoons spent alone, peacefully looping around puffy white clouds. Ed was an accomplished pianist and throughout the years entertained friends at gatherings and enjoyed quiet time at the piano to unwind after work. Boating was another pleasure for Ed. Ed brought his leadership to Tucson’s Jewish and civic communities. He served as president of the Tucson Jewish Community Center and on the Boards of Directors at Temple Emanu-El and Congregation Anshei Israel. He was a member of the Elks and Optimists organization and participated in professional retail associations. After retiring, Ed enjoyed golf and tennis and traveling the world with Joan. His sense of adventure endured as he took up motorcycling in his 50’s and did two stints in the Israeli volunteer army in his 60’s. Ed’s sense of humor never waned. When memory loss became apparent to himself, he bought a T-shirt that said, “Been everywhere, done everything. Can’t remember any of it.” Ed was a product of the Greatest Generation - an honorable man, loyal to friends, a good citizen, a good neighbor, well-regarded in business, committed to country, service and his family. Our special thanks and gratitude to the dedicated and compassionate staff and volunteers at Hospice. Funeral services to be held at 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, October 13, 2009 at Evergreen Mortuary with Rabbi Robert Eisen, Rabbi Arthur Oleisky and Cantor Ivor Lichterman officiating. Interment to follow in the Congregation Anshei Israel section of Evergreen Cemetery. Arrangements by EVERGREEN MORTUARY & CEMETERY, N. Oracle & W. Miracle Mile