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Donald E. Kleber
May 8, 1938 ~ September 4, 2022 (age 84) 84 Years Old
Donald E Kleber, 84, died unexpectedly, but peacefully in his sleep on September 4, 2022, in the home he shared with the love of his life, Kathy Kleber. He was born on May 8, 1938, in Rockingham County, VA, son of Matthew W and Sena A (Mathias) Kleber. Don graduated Coral Gables High School, class of ‘57. Following graduation, Don studied business at the University of Miami, served in the Coast Guard, which then led to a fulfilling career as a charter boat captain along the Florida coast and Bahamas. Don married Kathleen Gary in 1962 and together they had four children. In 1974, Don launched Kleber Plumbing, expertly serving Dade County ever since. His large and loyal customer base grew from his excellent plumbing skills, honed from an early age, and his thoughtful, fair minded practices. Don was a master angler and longtime member of South Florida Sport Fisherman Fishing Club, where he won numerous prestigious fishing awards. Of note is the fact that both his sons, Donald and Matthew, followed in his footsteps by becoming avid fishermen themselves, and owners of their own successful plumbing businesses. In 1986, Don married again. His second wife had been his first love just out of high school. After raising families of their own, they were happily reunited in marriage and, when they bought a fishing boat together, he named it the Kathy Lee, after his forever bride. With Don‘s marriage to Kathy, he gained three daughters, creating a blended family of seven children and fourteen grandchildren. Preceded in death by his son, Matthew (April), Don is survived by his wife, Kathy, his children, Donald (Suzanne), Arianne and Kathleen, as well as his bonus children through marriage, Valerie (Pedro), Cynthia (Scott), and Pamela (KL), and their grandchildren, Janelle, Emily, Marlin, Anthony, Arianna, Angelina, Annalisa, Matthew, Sarah, Shea, Joshua, Michael, Benjamin and Nathan. Everyone loved Don: his family, friends, neighbors, customers, employees, fellow fishing club members, everyone. He was principled, generous, intelligent, thoughtful, hard-working, clever and mischievous. A most admirable man who will be forever loved and missed. Don‘s Celebration of Life will be held at their beloved church home, Miami Vineyard Community Church (12727 SW 122nd Ave.), Friday, September 9, 2022, at 12 noon. Flowers are welcome!