David A. Klau

David Avram Klau of West Hartford died peacefully at home on August 1, 2024. His beloved wife, Barbara, and his children were by his side. He was 89 years old.

David and Barbara were married for 64 years. In addition to his wife, David is survived by his five children: The Honorable Daniel Klau (Jennifer), Deborah Ordan (David), Michal Klau-Stevens (Gregory Stevens), Dr. Max Klau (Beverly) and Nathan Klau (Meghan Starr). He was blessed to have sixteen grandchildren: Ari, Etan, Menachem (Faigy), Yehuda (Jessica), Raphael Simcha, Rina, Tehila, Shira Esther, Zachary, Eliza, Jared, Bernie, Sadie, Iris, Levi; and two great-grandchildren, Yisrael and Riva Baila. He is survived by his sister, Ruth Sachs (Daniel), his sister-in-law, Judith Klau, and beloved nieces and nephews.

David was predeceased by his brother, Arnold, his sister, Dr. Eleanor Klau, and his granddaughter, Miriam Klau.

David was the son of Judge Joseph E. and Sadie (Palten) Klau of Hartford. In grade school, a teacher told David’s parents that he had limited potential. His mother demanded that his teachers continue to challenge him academically. He went on to attend Weaver High School, graduate from Cheshire Academy and Cornell University, and earn an MBA from Columbia Business School. He then fulfilled his childhood dream to fly airplanes. He served in the Air Force, the Air Force Reserves, and spent his career as an international airline pilot with Pan American World Airways. He loved flying 747s, then the largest passenger plane in the world. He maintained his private pilot license and flight instructor certification well into his 80’s. In 2011, the FAA recognized him for 50 years of safe flying.

David served the Hartford Jewish community in many capacities. In addition to serving on the board of the Hartford Jewish Federation, he was also President and interim CEO of the Mandell Jewish Community Center, President and Assistant Treasurer of the Greater Hartford Jewish Historical Society, and President of the Commission on Jewish Education. In the 1970’s, he and his wife were President-Couple of Connecticut Jewish Marriage Encounter. David was an active member for many years of Beth El Temple in West Hartford, including serving as an officer of the Men’s Club. At the time of his death, he was Vice-President of the Residents’ Association at The McAuley, where he resided with his wife.

He loved race-walking in the Manchester Road Race with his family every Thanksgiving, which he did until this most recent Thanksgiving, placing 2nd in his age group. He was also a founding member of the Beth El Men’s Club walking group. He shared countless walks with its members around the West Hartford Reservoir, followed by philosophical conversations and solving the world’s problems in the Bishop’s Corner Dunkin Donuts parking lot.

David is remembered by his family and friends as a warm, special, thoughtful man. He was also a fixer extraordinaire of broken things. May his memory be for a blessing.

The funeral will be held on Sunday, August 4, 2024, 1 p.m., at Beth El Temple, 2626 Albany Ave in West Hartford. Rabbi James Rosen will officiate. Interment will follow at the Beth Hillel Cemetery, 80 Wolcott Rd. East Granby. After interment, the family will receive friends at Beth El Temple, concluding with a Minyan service at the synagogue at 5:30 pm. The family will sit shiva on Monday through Wednesday, August 5-7, at the home of Michal and Greg Stevens, 17 Sherwood Road in West Hartford, and on Thursday and Friday, August 8, at the home of Mrs. Barbara Klau. The McAuley, 215 Steele Road, Apt. B419. Shiva calls may be made at following times: 1-3 p.m. (Monday through Friday) and 7-9 p.m. (Monday through Thursday).

In lieu of flowers, donations in David’s memory may be made to any of the organizations he served or to a charity of your choice

In lieu of flowers, donations in David’s memory may be made to any of the organizations he served or to a charity of your choice

The family will sit shiva on Monday through Wednesday, August 5-7, at the home of Michal and Greg Stevens, 17 Sherwood Road in West Hartford, and on Thursday and Friday, August 8, at the home of Mrs. Barbara Klau. The McAuley, 215 Steele Road, Apt. B419. Shiva calls may be made at following times: 1-3 p.m. (Monday through Friday) and 7-9 p.m. (Monday through Thursday).