Maurice "Ben" F. Kleinbard

Maurice F. “Ben” Kleinbard of the Leisure Village West section of Manchester Twp., NJ, passed away peacefully in his sleep on Wednesday, January 25, 2023. He was 92. Born in New York City in 1931, he married Kathleen Kelly and raised a family in Parlin, NJ before moving to Paramus and Bedminster, NJ, then finally settling in Manchester Township in 1987. Ben was a United States Army Korean War Veteran where he served as a Telephone and Teletype Repairman. Upon leaving the Army, Ben worked for AT&T for 35 years as an equipment repairman, successfully working his way up through management. He retired in 1986. Mr. Kleinbard was a parishioner of St. John RC Church, Lakehurst, NJ and a former parishioner of Our Lady of the Visitation RC Church, Paramus, NJ, where he served as President of the Holy Name Society. He was also a member of the Telephone Pioneers and the Catholic War Veterans. Ben was an avid golfer and a diehard New York Rangers fan, following the team since he was a kid when he played street hockey on roller skates in the streets of Manhattan.n 

Mr. Kleinbard was predeceased by his beloved wife of 68 years, Kathleen (nee Kelly) in 2021 and his son Tom in 2014.

He is survived by his four children Kathleen Rock (significant other Eloyd Britt) of Hamilton, NJ, Barbara Kleinbard (Paul Butterfield) of Bordentown, NJ, Frances Kleinbard-Esko (Irv Esko) of Hamilton, NJ, Jim Kleinbard (Roberta) of Ramsey, NJ, six grandchildren Melissa Annunziata (Michael), Kristy Schiano (Sal), Stephen Rock (Cynthia), Ré Anne Kleinbard, Daniel “DJ” Kleinbard, Kaleen Butterfield (Fiancé Doug McCord), four great grandchildren Salvatore Schiano, Jason Annunziata, Sophia Schiano, and Rocco Annunziata. He is also survived by Pamela Jording, whom he considered a daughter. 

Ben was truly a devoted husband to his wife Kathleen, having spent nearly 73 years together, and is now finally reunited with her on their “park bench.” He was a man of integrity, a Christian soul and a very dear friend to many. 

The family will receive relatives and friends on Monday 4:00pm – 7:00pm at the Timothy E. Ryan Home for Funerals, 145 St. Catherine Blvd., Toms River.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered Tuesday 10:00am at St. John’s RC Church, Lakehurst, NJ.  Burial to follow at George Washington Memorial Park, Paramus, NJ.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to https://www.f4mmc.org/donate-now/. In the designation section please select “Gagnon Cardiovascular Institute.”

Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.ryanfuneralhome.com. 

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