Irwin Klein, endocrinologist who served as Plandome Manor trustee, dies at 77

Dr. Irwin Klein treated his patients' endocrine system, a network of hormonal glands and organs. But according to those under his care, he never neglected the heart.

"The notes and the testimonials from his patients have just been a beautiful thing for me to read," said his wife of 51 years, Deborah Albanese Klein, of Northport. "Some of them have known him many years. It’s like they saw him as more than their doctor. He would have liked that. And that means the world to me."

He was more than a doctor in many ways, coaching Police Athletic League lacrosse in Manhasset and later serving 2½ terms as a trustee of the Village of Plandome Manor. He was also was published in medical journals and textbooks.

Irwin Klein died July 5 at Huntington Hospital, following kidney-stone surgery and a history of renal and cardiac issues. He was 77.

"He was wonderful. We couldn't have had a bigger supporter," said the couple’s daughter, Kathy Gelbman, of Huntington, one of three children. "From a very young age he convinced me I could do whatever I wanted to do. Even when it meant taking a risk or a chance in life, he always encouraged us to take it."

"Last fall when he got really sick" with renal failure from which he recovered, said his wife, "he told us, ‘Listen, I’ve had a great life’ — basically telling us, ‘If I die today, it’s OK.’ . . . He truly felt he had a great life, great kids, great marriage. I say to myself, ‘Who's married for 51 years and has somebody who loves you and you love him?’ I'm truly grateful."

Irwin Lester Klein was born in Brooklyn in 1946, the oldest of three children of Sam and Ruth Klein. Both he and his year-younger sister were born on Christmas Day. Raised in Baldwin, Irwin played varsity lacrosse in high school there. He went on to also play lacrosse at the University of Pennsylvania, in Philadelphia, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in biology in 1968.

He graduated from New York University School of Medicine in 1973 and did his residency at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania. He later taught at Georgetown University School of Medicine, in Washington, D.C., while also serving as a research associate at the National Cancer Institute in nearby Bethesda, Maryland.

Klein then was named chief medical resident of the University of Miami Affiliated Hospitals, in Florida, and did an endocrinology fellowship at the college.

He went on to hold positions at Pittsburgh institutions before moving to Plandome Manor in 1986 to head the endocrinology division of North Shore University Hospital in Manhasset. Rising to associate chairman of its department of medicine, he left in 2012 to enter private practice in Melville. Throughout his career, he also served on institutional boards.

He also retained his love of lacrosse, playing on club teams in different cities and both playing and coaching on Long Island. In 1998 he was inducted into the Manhasset Lacrosse Hall of Fame.

Klein served on the Plandome Manor board of trustees from 2009 to 2014, spearheading a successful effort to have the Long Island Rail Road lower the volume of announcements at the Plandome station, an issue that had long plagued residents.

"I miss his smile, I miss his wit and I miss his ‘Irwinisms’ — these things he’d say that would just make you laugh," said Plandome Manor Mayor Barbara Donno.

In 2014, Klein and his wife moved to Northport. He is survived by his wife and daughter; sons, Mark Klein, of Northport, and Dr. Steven Klein, of Philadelphia; sister, Susan Morris, of Louisville, Colorado; and a granddaughter. A younger brother, Eric Klein, died before him.

Visitation was held July 10 to 12, followed by a private family ceremony.