KLEINFather J. Leo Klein, SJ, a Jesuit priest who spent much of his life at Xavier University in Cincinnati and served as provincial of the Chicago Province, passed away on January 10, 2017, at Hospice of Cincinnati, Blue Ash. He was 85 years old, a member of the Society of Jesus for 65 years, and a Jesuit priest for 52 years. Father Klein was born on November 4, 1931, in Chicago. He attended Fordham Preparatory School in the Bronx before transferring to St. Xavier High School in Cincinnati. He graduated in 1949, and attended Xavier University for two years before entering the Society of Jesus on September 2, 1951. He was ordained a priest on June 14, 1964, and professed his final vows on April 29, 1972. Father Klein earned a bachelor's degree in Latin from Xavier and a master's degree in the same subject from Loyola University Chicago. He also earned a master's degree in liturgy from the University of Notre Dame and a licentiate in philosophy in 1958 from West Baden College. Father Klein earned a licentiate in sacred theology in 1965 from Bellarmine School of Theology. In 1971, he earned a doctorate in historical theology from Fordham University. As a young Jesuit, he taught Latin and fine arts appreciation at the University of Detroit Jesuit High School. Aside from his early formation, and time as provincial, Fr. Klein spent all his Jesuit life at Xavier. In 1970, he was asked to head the campus ministry department at Xavier and to serve as pastor of Saint Robert Bellarmine Chapel. With that assignment, at a time of growth and change in the worship life of the Catholic Church, Fr. Klein established an important renewed parish life in Cincinnati as well as a way of Jesuit presence on the campus that continues to this day. Until infirmity required him to retire from regular celebration of Sunday and weekday Masses, his presence and preaching were admired and effective. People quoted back to him homilies he preached years before! Father Klein, was a full professor of theology at Xavier. His style of leadership was instrumental when he built up the theology department as its chair. Of note was his designing a course called "The Second 50" years of adult life. A continuing version of that program appears today in the catalog of adult learning offered by the University of Cincinnati. In 1979, Fr. Klein became provincial of the Chicago Province. He was a forward-thinking and creative provincial. He moved the Chicago Province offices to an up-dated facility. He enhanced collaboration among provincial departments and helped create a modern concept of how a Jesuit provincial office could operate. Because of his leadership in caring for Jesuit ministries and for the Jesuits themselves, the Jesuit communities and the ministries of the entire province were sustained and strengthened in a time of substantial change. Father Klein brought his gifts of creativity and forward thinking to the universal Society as a delegate at General Congregation 33 in 1983. He finished his time as provincial in 1985. After a well-deserved sabbatical, he returned to teaching theology at Xavier. In addition to teaching, Fr. Klein was rector of the university's Jesuit community and vice president for mission and ministry. As his health declined, he spent time in a Cincinnati area health care facility. There will be a Memorial Mass at 10:30am on Saturday, January 28 at the St. Robert Bellarmine Chapel, 3801 Ledgewood Drive, Cincinnati OH 45207. Those who wish to make a donation in memory of Fr. Klein can direct memorials to the Midwest Jesuits, 1010 N. Hooker Street, Chicago, IL 60642. Condolences may be expressed at: GilliganFuneralHomes.com.