Overview
- Kenny Klein’s funeral was held Monday at St. Raphael Church in Louisville where former coach Rick Pitino delivered a tearful eulogy that drew friends, family and colleagues.
- Pitino called Klein “the most special person” he’d met and praised him as an exceptional husband, friend and longtime sports information director who was “inseparable” from him during their years together.
- Klein had been hospitalized after a sudden medical emergency in June and died last week, with his family arranging an honor walk and organ donation before the funeral.
- Klein spent more than four decades at the University of Louisville, officially retired in June 2022 but continued working through 2024 and then served as a special advisor for St. John’s men’s basketball from 2024 to 2026.
- Colleagues and local media say Klein’s death leaves a gap in institutional memory and daily operations because he coordinated media relations at Final Fours and was a central, trusted figure for coaches, players and reporters.