Obituary of Arthur H. Klein

Arthur “Artie” H. Klein, former owner of Billerica Tire and Auto Center and Burlington Shell passed away suddenly on Friday, October 6, 2017 at the age of 62. Arthur was born in Malden the son of the late Max and Gertrude Klein. He grew up in Melrose and was a graduate of Melrose High School. He married his wife, Debbie, in 1973 and they settled in Burlington in 1983. Artie had a strong work ethic and was never afraid to take on a challenge. He owned the Shell gas station, located next to the Burlington Common in the 1980’s. He then owned and operated Billerica Tire and Auto Center for 15 years. He was currently working as a service manager at Liberty Mazda in Wakefield. He had a wealth of knowledge when it came to automobiles and motorcycles and could service almost any mechanical issue he came across. At home, he loved anything with an engine whether it was boats, skimobiles, classic cars, and motorcycles. He always owned a Harley Davidson and had owned a 1963 Split Window Corvette. He was continually remodeling and updating his home. He had just finished a complete renovation of one of the bathrooms. He would spend hours maintaining his lawn making sure it was always weed free and perfectly cut. Artie was the type of person that if you are going to do something, there were no shortcuts and you did it right. Artie always wanted to brighten up the life’s of everyone around him. At his service stations, he held events where he brought in classic cars, Patriots cheerleaders, an elephant, and all sorts of other fun promotions for his customers and the residents of Burlington and Billerica. He and his wife, Debbie, got involved in the Special Olympics to enrich the life of their daughter Stephanie. They went to all the Special Olympic events and helped start the Burlington Recreation Department’s first Special Olympic softball team almost 30 years ago. He coached the softball team as well as the basketball team for many years. He was deeply involved in his son Michael’s life as well. He coached his basketball and baseball teams, took he and his friends boating and water skiing, snowmobiling, and the two loved watching the Red Sox and Patriots games together. He had a home on Lake Ossipee which was the gathering spot for all his family and friends. He loved entertaining, making people laugh and smile. Last weekend was one of the happiest days of Artie’s life with the celebration of Michael’s marriage to his wife Lisa. It was a great day, all the his family and friends were present, and Artie was on top of the world. For most that was the last time they saw Artie. Artie was the beloved husband of 44 years of Deborah A. (Migliacci). Loving father of Stephanie of Burlington and Michael & his wife Lisa of Woburn. Brother of Larry of San Antonio, TX, Scotty of Haverhill and the late Allen. A visitation will be held at the Edward V Sullivan Funeral Home, 43 Winn St., BURLINGTON (Exit 34 off Rt. 128/95 Woburn side) on Wednesday, Oct 11 from 4-8 p.m. Funeral Services will be private. In lieu of flowers memorials In Artie’s name may be made to Burlington Recreation Memorial Fund, 61 Center St., Burlington, MA 01803. Former owner of Billerica Tire & Auto Center and Former owner of Burlington Shell.