William “Bill” Michael Kleiner

Bill played his last game on Friday, November 15, 2024 on his home field with his loving wife Michaelene Ellen Di Loreto Kleiner applauding him from the stands. Bill was a life long Erie resident, proud of his roots at St. John’s School, his faithfulness to Cathedral Prep with hilarious stories of “typhing”, and his undergraduate and graduate degrees from Gannon University. Bill was a teacher in Erie and was the director of special programs.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Kay and Joe, his brother Joe, his sister Betsy, and his first wife Jean Scolio Jan Jannen Kleiner. He often lamented never having children, but he is survived by his step children; Michael Jan Jannen, Mary Bowen, and Ellen Aldrich Morra, whom he loved dearly. He was avid about keeping up with the news of his four grandchildren; John Thomas, Rachel Bowen, and Michaelene and Annalise Morra.

Bill loved being tan and travelled to warm places for sun, water, and sand. Cruises, Mexican beaches, and Florida’s Long Boat Key were his favorites to cook in the sun, jump into the water, and meet new people. He was a gifted social person, known by many in Erie and its various social clubs. Bill could always bring smiles and laughter to his audience by telling great jokes and regaling his friends with his encyclopedic mastery of sports—games played, where and when, who scored and who didn’t, and the greatest plays of all time. Any sport related question you needed an answer to? Just ask Bill. He would know the answer. Astounding! He loved “Doo Wop” and was knowledgeable in oldies songs as well as sports.

He and Michaelene first met in 1965 and continued their on and off love affair even after 30 odd years of silence until marrying in 2000, making their home in Erie where they enjoyed the change of seasons and having great summer parties. Bill was a dog lover and is also survived by his 4 Cavalier King Charles, proud of naming their many pets and enjoying each animal’s idiosyncrasies.

His wife will love and miss him forever. RIP, old friend.

Dusckas-Martin Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc. 4216 Sterrettania Rd., handled all private arrangements.

A Memorial Service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Glenwood YMCA, 3727 Cherry St., Erie, PA 16508, in Bill’s Honor.