Former mayor remembered for legacy of dedication, love
Myron “Mike” Klein, 107, of Fort Myers and formerly Sanibel, passed away on July 9, 2026.
A man of remarkable wisdom, resilience and warmth, he was a visionary leader, devoted public servant and passionate conservationist who played an important role in shaping the island as it is known today. Klein served on the Sanibel City Council from 1980-88, including terms as vice mayor and mayor from 1982-83 and from 1987-88.
“Myron ‘Mike’ Klein helped lay the foundation for the Sanibel we know. His leadership, foresight and commitment to protecting this island shaped our community in lasting ways,” Mayor Mike Miller said in a prepared statement. “On behalf of the city council and the entire Sanibel community, we extend our heartfelt condolences to Mike’s family and loved ones. We are grateful for his extraordinary life of service and the legacy he leaves behind.”
Klein was born on June 17, 1919, in Rochester, New York, to Benjamin Klein and Ethel Cohen Klein. He was one of three children and his father was a cobbler. Growing up during the Great Depression, Klein showed skills and a talent for craftsmanship at a young age by making his own toys, his family shared. He graduated from Monroe High School and served as the social chairman for his senior class, which foreshadowed his innumerable friendships and gregarious nature throughout the decades.
Klein attended the University of Rochester and graduated with a degree in physics. While attending college, he met his future wife, Evelyn Theis, at the library. She was working there as a librarian.
“They were very much into the outdoors — skiing, winter sports, camping,” nephew Dr. Robert Silverman. “Two peas in a pod.”
After graduate work and a short career at Eastman Kodak, Klein enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1944. He and Evelyn were also married in the early 1940s. Klein underwent basic training at Fort Riley in Fort Riley, Kansas. During World War II, he quickly moved from infantry training to the Engineer Research and Development Laboratories (ERDL) in Fort Belvoir, Virginia. Klein was discharged in the late 1940s, but he continued to work for the military as a civilian scientist and engineer until his retirement.
Serving as associate director alongside Director Dr. Robert S. Wiseman, they led the team of scientists at the U.S. Army Night Vision Lab that developed the image intensifier tube, which became the basis for modern night vision equipment. His family noted that Klein’s work has saved thousands of military lives and has applications in everyday use. Today, the facility is known as the U.S. Army Night Vision and Electronic Sensors Directorate (NVESD).
“He knew physicists from all over the world,” Silverman said, adding that his uncle received numerous scientific accommodations and awards. “It all goes back to him and his brother building telescopes.”
After retiring in 1974, Klein and his wife permanently moved to Sanibel. The family shared that the couple had been visiting the island since 1968 and would spend a lot of their time camping on it.
“Their love for Sanibel quickly grew into a lifelong commitment to the community,” the city reported.
Formative years, Klein sat on the city councils that adopted numerous ordinances and resolutions that strengthened environmental protections, guided thoughtful growth, protected wildlife habitat, and helped establish the policies that continue to preserve Sanibel’s unique character, according to the city. He also co-founded BIG ARTS and was instrumental in the completion of the City Hall on Dunlop Road in 1983.
In 2019, the city celebrated Klein’s 100th birthday, recognizing his lasting contributions to Sanibel. He also returned in 2024 as a guest of honor for the opening of the city’s time capsule, reflecting on the community that he helped build and protect.
Klein’s family shared that plant and wildlife conservation was in his heart, and he loved animals large and small. Whether it was protecting burrowing owl habitat or releasing an errant great blue heron from fishing line, Klein was always ready to save the island’s natural beauty.
“He fought tirelessly to retain the timeless, natural beauty of Sanibel — that was the impact that he had on the island,” nephew Andrew Klein said. “He had an absolute love of animals. Animals took to him, animals knew he was safe — they gravitated to Uncle Mike.”
In the mid 1990s, Klein and his wife relocated to Shell Point in Fort Myers. His passion for pottery and ceramics flourished and made him a sought-after teacher and mentor. Klein also played a significant role in the care of all the orchids in the on-site greenhouse, and he was known for participating in many activities, including games of Rummikub. Klein’s wife, Evelyn Theis Klein, passed away in 2001.
“We would talk on the phone every week, sometimes a whole hour at length. I got to hear his funny stories multiple times,” Andrew Klein said. “He found humor is every aspect of everyday life.”
He added that his uncle got along with everybody and appreciated a good conversation.
“He had a phenomenal long-term memory. He could recite poetry word for word,” Andrew Klein said. “He was a man of integrity and truth. He was so sharp — he was extremely intelligent and smart.”
Klein gave to over 30 charities in his lifetime.
His family shared that his greatest pride and joy was his family. Klein was devoted to his wife and was the best surrogate father, cherished uncle and a proud great-great-uncle. His presence was a steady anchor for his nieces and nephews, and his lessons will continue to teach the family’s next generations.
“Even though he had no children, he was close to his nieces and nephews. He was always interested in what we were doing,” Silverman said. “I think he lived for our visits and for our telephone calls.”
“He was a gentle man and he was a gentleman — funny, kind and smart,” Andrew Klein added. “I think he had a zest for life.”
Klein was preceded in death by his wife; brother, Stanley Klein; and sister, Doris Silverman. He is survived by his nieces and nephews, Dr. Robert (Pat) Silverman, Linda (Jerry) Herman, Andrew Klein, Abby Horowitz (Herb Bixhorn), and Penny (Jim) Deshur; great-nieces and nephews, Elliott, Bennett, David, Erika, Sandy, Mark, Brian, Jenna, Allie, Hannah, and Harris; and great-great-nieces and nephews.
“Mike lived a life that spanned over a century of history, leaving behind a legacy of love, dedication and unforgettable memories. He was a cornerstone of his family and community, known for his storytelling, occasional bawdy jokes, his enduring work ethic and his ability to find joy in the simple moments of life,” the family shared. “Throughout his 107 years, Myron witnessed the world change in ways few could imagine, meeting every era with grace, a sharp mind and a generous heart.”
A celebration of life will be held on Aug. 31 at 10 a.m. at The Village Church at Shell Point, at 15100 Shell Point Blvd., Fort Myers. Inurnment will be at the Arlington National Cemetery at a future date.
Memorial donations may be made in Klein’s memory to the Legacy Foundation of Shell Point, BIG ARTS, or a favorite charity that supports health, nature or animal protection.