Nicholas Edward Klein

Nicholas Edward Klein, 71, of Colora, MD, died Monday, September 9, 2013. He leaves his wife, Wendy Klein (nee Chase); his children Andrea L. Hartig and husband Steve, Daniel L. Klein, Nicole K. Fletcher and husband Rodney, Nicole Maskell and husband Daniel Sr., Stephen Idzi, and James Idzi; grandchildren Zachary Hartig, Ryan Hartig, Tiffany Fletcher, Tyler Fletcher, Daniel Maskell Jr., Matthew Maskell and Sophia Maskell; sister Helen Ward; and many nieces and nephews. Born in Baltimore, MD, the son of the late George N. and Mildred (nee Bena) Klein. Mr. Klein attended grade school at St. Catherine’s, then learned his trade as a brick mason while attending Mergenthaler “Mervo” Technical School. While serving in the U.S. Army Reserve, he also began working as a brick mason as he helped to shape the Baltimore landscape over the decades with the construction of many iconic buildings including Johns Hopkins Hospital, Fort McHenry Tunnel and Oriole Park at Camden Yards spending most of his career with Henry J. Knott Masonry Inc. His fine craftsmanship was also appreciated by friends and family for which he constructed numerous brick projects such as homes, chimneys, patios and original creations for their personal use and pleasure. In addition to his lifelong vocation and strong work ethic, during the 1980s he also ran a crabbing operation with his son and spent hours and hours on the Chesapeake Bay. Always in search of a new experience, he enjoyed a wide range of hobbies and activities such as camping, photography, hunting, NASCAR, gardening, creating stained glass projects and bird watching. Later in life, he developed a deep passion for politics. As an animal lover, he relished time with many canine companions over the years and enjoyed hearing stories about his son’s eight feline “kids.” His family and friends will forever remember his willingness to lend them a hand, enthusiasm for life and deeply rooted patriotism. He is also predeceased by his brother John G. "Jack" Klein. Family will receive visitors on Sunday, September 15, 2013 from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. at Lee A. Patterson & Son Funeral Home, P.A., 1493 Clayton Street, Perryville, MD. Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Monday, September 16, 2013 at 11:30 a.m. at Good Shepherd Catholic Church, 831 Aiken Avenue, Perryville, MD.