Charles Michael Klayman

Charles Michael Klayman (age 76) died on January 15, 2025 at Cincinnati’s VA Medical Center (his home away from home). He is survived by his wife, Gail (Westendorf) of 47 years, his son Ryan, daughter Lauren and granddaughter Charlie. Charles was the son of the late Sam and Dorothy (Bell) Klayman of Cincinnati. His youth was full of fun times bonding with great friends for life. He graduated from Woodward high school and he loved competing on the Cincinnati Pepsi Marlins swim team and working on cars. He attended Miami Dade College and University of Cincinnati. He was drafted in 1969, just a few months after his 21st birthday. After training, he was shipped to Vietnam in May 1970. His experience drained his soul and PTSD changed his life and fears forever. When he returned from overseas, he worked at Supreme Records Distributing Company which his father owned. Music was one of his joys. He later met Gail playing volleyball and 3 yrs later they were married. They joined Congregation Beth Adam which Charles could relate to in a very meaningful way. He quickly volunteered to pick up bagels for Sunday school and delivered them to each classroom for many years. He loved being called the temple Bagelman. Charles also enjoyed family time, especially on their boat and on fun vacations. His last career move was when his dear friend, the late Ed Levine called Charles to come work at Champion Windows. Charles worked at Champion for 37 years until he retired after a work injury. When Ryan and Lauren moved away from home, so did Charles and Gail. They moved to a one level condo in Ludlow KY,with a view of the river and sunset.There, Charles and Gail were voted King and Queen at their Clubhouse Prom. The icing on their years of happiness came seven years ago with the birth of their granddaughter, Charlie. Her sunshine brought so much joy. Charles would beam when she was present. She was allowed to braid his hair. But he wouldn’t let her streak his hair pink like she did to grandma in Florida 2 weeks before his death.Well, when Charlie came to say goodbye to her Dear Zayde at VA, she brought her hair dye to send him off with a nice pink streak. We laughed, cried and talked about fun memories. We knew Zayde would be laughing too. His ashes will be returned in a few years since he donated his body to UC medical school to help teach others and to advance science. Charles, and later, Gail, will be buried in the National Cemetery in Williamstown, KY. Charles was being heroic for our country early in life and even at his end of life he heroically gave his body to science to provide information that could possibly prevent, treat or cure illness or disease, decreasing pain and suffering in this world. We are blessed. A memorial service will be held on Sunday, April 27, 2025 at 1:30pm at Congregation Beth Adam, 10001 Loveland Maderia Road Loveland, Ohio 45140. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions to VVA & Beth Adam in Charles' memory would be greatly appreciated. VVA Chapter 10 8418 Reading Rd. Reading, OH 45215 or The Robert & Terri Barr Lecture Congregation Beth Adam10001 Loveland-Madeira Rd Loveland, OH 45140.

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Charles Michael Klayman

January 15, 2025