Herbert Samuel Kleiman, 92
Herbert Samuel Kleiman, 92, of Acton passed away peacefully on November 18, 2025.
Born in Brooklyn, New York, Herbert was the son of Russian immigrants Mitchel and Susan Kleiman and the brother of Charlotte Katz, all of whom preceded him in death.
Herb’s brilliance and love of learning were evident early in life. At just 16, he enrolled at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, earning a bachelor of science in physics. He continued his academic journey at Purdue University, where he received his master’s and doctorate in physics and met his future wife, Elizabeth (Liz) nee Eskew.
After teaching physics at the University of California, Berkeley, in 1966 Herb and Liz settled in Bedford, where they raised their family. Herb spent decades as a physicist at Lincoln Laboratory, contributing to groundbreaking research and serving on the laboratory’s senior management team, retiring in 2010.
Herbert was an avid reader, particularly of science fiction, and a lifelong enthusiast of science and discovery. Known for his kindness, wisdom, and wonderful sense of humor, he was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather whose greatest joy was his family. He was selfless in his love and support, always putting family first.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 65 years, Elizabeth; his three children Robin (Charles), Daniel (Jackie), and Gary (Kristin); and seven cherished grandchildren. Herb also maintained close ties with his extended family in New York, and he treasured family vacations on Nantucket. In later years, he enjoyed time at his second home in West Palm Beach, Florida, before settling at Newbury Court in Acton with Liz.
Herb will be remembered as a practical, wise, and deeply loved man whose legacy lives on in the family he nurtured and the lives he touched.
A memorial service will be held at Duvall Chapel at Newbury Court, 80 Deaconess Road, Acton, on Monday, November 24, at 2 p.m. A reception with family and friends will follow. Herb will be laid to rest privately on Monday at Sleepy Hollow Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made to MIT in memory of Herbert Kleiman. Online gifts can be made by visiting the MIT Giving website: giving.mit.edu/give/now; if by check, donations should be made payable to MIT and mailed to: Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Attention: Memorial Gifts Office, P.O. Box 412926, Boston, MA 02241-2926.
Arrangements are entrusted to Dee Funeral Home & Cremation Service of Acton. For Herb’s tribute page, visit DeeFuneralHome.com.
