Robert J. Klein, 68, lawyer, activist

INQUIRER STAFF WRITER

Robert J. Klein, 68, of Center City, a real estate lawyer and social activist, died of amyloidosis Saturday at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania.

Mr. Klein began his practice in 1966 with the law firm Meltzer & Schiffrin in Philadelphia. As Center City and outlying areas grew, he represented partnerships and corporations in condominium conversions and in the sale, leasing, development, and financing of commercial and multiunit residential properties, said his wife, Jeanne Wrobleski.

In 1987, he became vice president of and counsel for Amerimar Realty Co., which developed the Rittenhouse Hotel and condominiums in Philadelphia and projects in Boston, Denver, San Diego, and St. Croix in the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Mr. Klein became a partner in 1990 with the law firm Fineman & Bach, now Fineman, Krekstein & Harris, in Philadelphia. In recent years, he had been a consultant to other lawyers on real estate matters.

In 1994, the Philadelphia Daily News quoted his tribute to a deceased real estate executive and friend, Richard J. Ryan. The secret of Ryan's success was simple, Mr. Klein said: "He was able to quickly grasp the essence of the most complex business deal, but more important, he had an intuitive feel for the personalities involved. He humanized his business relationships so that, by the time a transaction closed, even his adversaries were his dear friends."

Mr. Klein could have also been describing himself, said his wife, who is also a lawyer.

Throughout his career, he lectured and wrote articles on real estate and censorship. He had a lifelong passion for freedom of expression, his wife said, and did pro bono work for causes he believed in.

During the 1960s and '70s, he represented members of the Black Panthers and Vietnam War conscientious objectors, she said.

Mr. Klein grew up in West Oak Lane and graduated from Central High School in 1959. He earned a bachelor's degree in three years from Harvard University and then studied on a fellowship for a year at Cambridge University. He returned to Harvard for law school. After graduating, he was clerk to a judge on Pennsylvania Superior Court.

Mr. Klein enjoyed attending theater, reading fiction and poetry, and traveling with his wife, especially to France. He loved Provence and spoke fluent French, she said.

In addition to his wife of 31 years, he is survived by his brother, Alan.

A memorial service will be private.