As a family business, we experience all the things a family does. There are moments of great joy and moments of deep sorrow. It is with profound sadness that we are announcing the passing of our fearless leader and founder, Stan Klet. Stan passed away on the evening of Monday, November, 4, 2019 with his beloved family at his side.

Many of you have known Stan for a long time and have your own great stories to share. Please do. He loved engaging with people everywhere he met, telling stories and hearing their own. Even if you’ve told the stories a hundred times before – still, tell them again. He loved that too.

For those who didn’t know him as well, Stan Klet was a fascinating and remarkable man. He wasn’t always in the beauty business. While his father began Garden State Beauty Supply, Stan was working hard at a successful career as a musician. He started his musical career at age 16 on the Paul Whitman show as a singer. He also traveled around the area as lead singer and accordion player of a band playing gigs. At 22, Stan was drafted and served our country in the US Army as a head of special services but that did not end his performing. During his time in the military he was part of a band, The Cold Cuts. They competed in what was known as “All Army Contest” against a variety of bands from the US and Europe and they were the winners. This distinction earned, Stan along with his band, an appearance on the Ed Sullivan Show and a trip around the world. Stan’s time in the US Military was eventually cut short due to the sudden death of his father. At that time, he was granted an early honorable discharge to go home and run the family business, and support his family.

Stan stepped into what was then known as Garden State Beauty Supply claiming he was no salesman, just a musician. But he vowed to work hard and try his best at sales. And boy did he ever. His natural charisma that made him a successful musician naturally carried over into the business world. Making lasting, meaningful relationships with his manufacturers, customers, and employees came so naturally to him. This dynamic ability to engage people and cultivate relationships not only grew the business but brought him immense joy and personal satisfaction. Under his leadership the family business grew into a successful enterprise, spanning state borders and employing hundreds. It became East Coast Salon Services, as it is known today.

Stan worked with pride and unending enthusiasm well into his 80s alongside his children and, eventually grandchildren, staying true to the roots of what a family business is. But it isn’t just the blood relatives who make up that family. His impact and ongoing devotion to employees, customers, and industry friends was what fueled his desire to succeed. The loyalty he gave to and received from those he worked with are what made long hours, tough decisions, hard work, worth it. He always gave all he had to those he cared about.

For those of you who felt his warmth, his joy, his enthusiasm, his humor, his devotion. He felt it too. It is what fueled him to do better and to do more – not for himself, but for you, for us.

In 2011 Stan was awarded the Lifetime Leadership Award by the North American Hairdressing Association and fewer honors could be more fitting.

Through his years running the business, Stan always maintained a love and life in music - playing in bands well into his late 60s. Frequently found with accordion in arms or on the bench behind his piano, he will always be remembered with a smile on his face, a song on his lips, and a hearty laugh in his heart. We will always remember him that way and hope you do as well.

The only thing that brought him greater joy than his work and music was his family. He adored his wife Cora for 67 years with every breath he took; she was the love of his life and the beat of his heart. His children - Kim, Kris, Stan, Kara – always meant the world to him. He invented the concept of home movies documenting their lives with laughter, tears, silliness, and “graduation faces.” His grandchildren named him Fa and love him more than words can say; the feeling was mutual. Elizabeth, MacKenzie, Harry and Tyler - he never ceased to make them feel special, known, loved, and supported. When you think a heart is full – then there’s great-grandchildren. Lily and Bennett brought him a light, and a love so pure it will never fade.

While our hearts ache now, we hope you will join us in keeping Stan’s memory alive through the many beautiful memories he left us with. We will be closed for business on Friday, November 8^th for the memorial and services honoring Stan to pay tribute to and honor the closeness he shared with his immediate family and his family of employees and friends.

GIVNISH FUNERAL HOME

398 East Main Street
Marlton, New Jersey 08053

GATHERING OF FAMILY AND FRIENDS

Thursday, November 7th

Location - Givnish Funeral Home 398 E Main Street, Marlton, NJ 08053
Time - 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm

Friday, November 8th

Location - Givnish Funeral Home 398 E Main Street, Marlton, NJ 08053
Time - 9:00 am – 10:00 am

Mass Services

Location - Our Lady of Good Counsel 42 W Main Street, Moorestown, NJ 08057
Time - 10:30 am