2026 SESSION
ENROLLED
SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 45
Celebrating the life of William M. Kline, Sr.
Agreed to by the Senate, January 22, 2026
Agreed to by the House of Delegates, January 26, 2026
WHEREAS, William M. Kline, Sr., an honorable veteran, esteemed educator, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, and cherished member of the Hampton and Paterson, New Jersey, communities, died on July 2, 2025; and
WHEREAS, William “Bill” Kline graduated from the former St. John's Cathedral High School in Paterson, New Jersey, before earning a bachelor's degree in education and a master of education degree in social studies from what is today William Paterson University; he also later pursued graduate studies at Montclair State University, New York University, and Columbia University; and
WHEREAS, Bill Kline served his country with honor and distinction as a member of the United States Armed Forces during the Korean War; and
WHEREAS, over his successful career in education, Bill Kline made a difference in the lives of the children he served in his capacity as a teacher, director of a Neighborhood Youth Corps program, elementary school vice-principal, vice-principal and principal at Eastside High School in Paterson, New Jersey, and director of curriculum and special projects and assistant superintendent of Paterson Public Schools; and
WHEREAS, Bill Kline was actively involved in local politics in Paterson, serving as a board of recreation commissioner, alderman, legislator, president of the board of education, and city council president; and