Dr. Samuel Klauber
Dr. Samuel Klauber was an emigrant American who gave much to others, his community, and his Country. As a medical doctor, he served in the U.S. Army, MC, as Commander, Medical Detachment, 519th Port Battalion, in Normandy and Belgium,
Here is how his family and friends spoke of him at his graveside service:
“We are here today for the family and friends of Sam Klauber. We gather to remember Sam and his life.
Sam Klauber lived to be two weeks shy of his 102nd birthday or perhaps he reached this milestone. When Sam was born in Russia, they did not always record precise birthdays so Sam’s birth was listed as during that year’s big snow. It could have been sometime in January or February. Sam chose Valentines Day as his birthday.
Sam lived a life of choices and he tended toward the positive.
When Sam had reached 100 old years his doctor asked: “You have lived a long life Sam, what is your secret?” Sam responded “The world was my friend.”
Sam Klauber made a conscious decision to befriend the world.
This does not mean that Sam took the easy way.
He opposed the injustice and exploitation of Capitalism.
Sam took responsibility for his life and believed that this life was all and enough. Sam was an assured Atheist.
Sam did not spend his life railing against the issues of capitalism and injustice. Instead Sam acted with one person at a time to help others and make the world a better place.
As an immigrant, Sam struggled to overcome financial hardship and worked hard to become a Medical Doctor.
Sam served in the Army Medical Corps in World War II. He witnessed the devastation of combat at Antwerp, and Omaha Beach. He was there to help people. After digging in and caring for the dead and wounded, Sam crawled through enemy lines to help deliver a local farmer’s baby.
Experiencing the horror of Aushwitz at the end of the war inspired Sam to return to Europe to serve as Medical Director for the International Joint Redistribution Committee.
Sam later returned to Boston and after a while, he met Betty. This was when Sam was 53 years old. Sam and Betty shared a deep affection and an intellectual bond.
The second half of Sam’s century was different from his first for he now had a family.
Sam was a loving father, encouraging his children, Eric and Nancy, to follow their passions.
Sam exemplified this in his own life by following his passion. He left his position in Radiology and bought a family practice in the working class, immigrant area of Chelsea, across the Tobin Bridge from Boston.
Sam’s medical practice thrived and he was a respected and beloved member of the community.
Sam continued to practice medicine until he was 89 year old, finishing his career working part-time at the Immigration Service in Boston. Sam never forgot where he came from. He continued to work, helping one person at a time.
Sam loved his family. He had a true partner in Betty and he was an active participant in his children’s lives.
In his later years, Sam and Betty moved to Chapel Hill to be closer to their daughter, Nancy, who, inspired by her Dad, had also become a physician. Moving to North Carolina also let Sam and Betty get to know and enjoy their granddaughter, Natalie.
Sam made a quiet difference in the lives of those he touched.
He lived his long life with an integrity that few achieve.
He will be missed but our memories of him will live on in us.”
…Randall Best, author; January 31, 2011
Be sure to read the Boston.com obituary, Served the poor and his country during World War II.
Postscript.
Dr. Klauber asked for and was given interment in a plain wooden coffin without nails or ornaments. His daughter, Nancy, is Dr. Nancy K. Demore, MD, Surgical Oncology. She is an Associate Professor of Surgery, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, UNC-Chapel Hill.