Ronald Lee Klinger, 89, of Chestnut Hill and Wyndmoor, passed away peacefully Dec. 29, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.
For 50 years, Klinger owned and operated the renowned Leather Bucket, an antique shop he purchased in 1962, located on Germantown Avenue. He served the Chestnut Hill community developing a prestigious resource of rare and fine antiques. He not only educated and supported his clientele but he also helped them develop valuable collections. He was known as well-informed and trustworthy, fair and straightforward. His reputation was recognized far and wide in the antiques world. Klinger took great pleasure in connecting others to unique treasures. He was more than a dealer, he was a genuine friend, kind, caring and generous. He loved his community, his family, and his many friends.
Born in 1936 in Halifax, Pennsylvania, he was raised on a Dauphin County farm during World War II. He enjoyed a happy and loving childhood with his Pennsylvania Dutch family, who instilled in him values of optimism, honesty, and hard work that would define his character throughout his life. He went on to serve in the U.S. Army in Korea and later earned a Mechanical Engineering degree from Drexel University.
In a 2012 interview with the Local, Klinger said he had learned what it takes to make a business succeed. Aside from a thriving market, he explained, it’s about how you deal with people. And over the years he made good friends with customers.
“That’s the type of people you have in Chestnut Hill,” he said. “If you’re fair with people, it comes back in spades.”
He leaves behind his loving wife, Anne Waterman Klinger, and their children Alexandra Klinger, Gary Klinger, Jill Klinger, Christen Martin, Ted Pelot, Anne Elizabeth Bollenbeck and eight grandchildren. All will cherish his memory.
Relatives and friends are invited to a memorial service Saturday Jan. 10, at 1 p.m. at St. Thomas Church Whitemarsh, 7020 Camp Hill Rd., Fort Washington. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Klinger’s name may be made to YouthBuild Philly Charter School, 2309 N. Broad St., Philadelphia, PA 19132, youthbuildphilly.networkforgood.com.
