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Gail A. Klingensmith

  • On May 13, 2026
  • 10 Comments

The brightest light in our lives left us. Gail A. Klingensmith, 71, 1954-2026 passed of cancer on May 12, 2026.

Gail was a Reading Specialist at a number of school districts before joining Pamela Cohen in partnership with P & G restaurants in Pittsburgh. Not only did she touch the lives of many young children, she also has, over the years, been a friend, mentor, & supporter to many employees, vendors, customers & acquaintances as well as family members. Gail was known for her abundant kindness & generosity to others.

When you met Gail, you were immediate friends! Her motto was “You pass this way but once, whatever good you can do, Do It Now.”

Gail was also a avid sports fan, including the Pittsburgh Steelers, Pens & her undying loyalty to the The Pittsburgh Pirates, watching Spring Training all the way through to the end of of the season. She loved golf & could play an effective round using only a putter & a 5 iron!!

Gail is survived by: her spouse of 32 years, Kathryn Chatfield, Sister, Mary Jane Rowe, Nephews, Marc (Deanna) Steiner, David Klingensmith & niece, Diane Romero. Also included are great nieces & nephews, step sons, James (Denisia) & Jeffrey (Denise) Chatfield & 5 step grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents James & Jane Klingensmith, her brother William Klingensmith & niece Dawn Klingensmith.

Gathering will be held from 3:00PM -7:00PM, June 12, 2026, at Devlin Funeral Home, 806 Perry Highway, Pittsburgh PA 15229.

A celebration of life will be held on June 13, 2026 at 11:00 am at Christ Episcopal Church, 5910 Babcock Blvd, Pittsburgh, PA 15237.

In lieu of flowers, Memorial donations can be made in Gail’s name to the charity:

Cobbled Streets

(Helping homeless and foster kids move forward)

7360 W 28th Ave Wheat Ridge, CO 80033

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10 Comments

Denise Lamar
As a member of the Pamela’s family I’ve known Gail from the beginning of P&G. What a loving person with a quick sense of humor and a compassionated heart. We had a joke where we called each other a midwife which makes me smile just thinking about it. I like to think of Gail now free from the struggles of this world and enjoying fellowship with those who have gone before her. To her family Pam and friends she leaves a wonderful legacy ❤️.
Joe Ecker
My construction company Advanced Construction Services built and remodeled her and Pam's restaurants when they were building Gail was a pleasure to work with and an even more pleasant person to know. I'm sorry to hear of her passing but know she's in Heaven now with our Lord .
Jon Johnson
So sad to hear the news Gail has been there thick and thin for me and a lot others you will be forever missed ❤️
Jo Ann
my sincerest condolences to the Pamela's family and all of Gail's loved ones. We have lost a magical person of immense kindness and generosity and the Pirates have lost their biggest and most loyal supporter. More than 38 years ago, i met Gail when i was in undergrad. She was a very good friend and mentor to me after my mother passed away. She kept me socialized and active when i was paralyzed with sadness, often pranking me by sending me on errands in the strip distict or malls where I would be forced to engage in random discussions with people who were in on her strategy of healing through candid camera moments. for example, she sent me to three different fragrance counters in one day and each attendant had a different discussion with me about the Estee Lauder product line. By counter three, i was fully articulate in the full array of fragrances and candles. On the way back, one of he numerous samples opened in my car and leaked all over the place. Gail laughed and said, "Bonus, just pretend i am in the car with you." luckily for me, the fragrance itself was light and perfect -- just like Gail . I drove back to school and class each day for months with Gail as my virtual co-pilot. it is ironic, but, i think i may send myself on that errand today and chances are good history will repeat itself. Gail's kindness and generosity cannot be overstated. She saw the very best in everyone and was loyal to her idea of that goodness. i am the better for knowing her.I can remember once having a really bad week at school and feeling a little lost. Gail said come home to see your father and also Buffy (one of her precious dogs)needs to speak with you. It Turned out that Buffy lost her 'bad bear' and Gail was determined that Buffy would tell me where it was or that i would find it out of pure determination. That, of course, turned into another errand. We did locate the'bad bear' but with Fluffy's help. Gail was simply the best -- a big sister and very good friend. i will never forget her kindness,warmth, and wisdom. When things did not exactly work out for me in my personal life, Gail was always a great listener who encouraged me to press on with what was working ouf. She told me to meet her at Tesaro's where she gave me a stack of yellow legal tablets and told me to get back to work... I finished law school and never looked back. Certainly, We have lost a North Star of humanity and kindness but we have a chance to deploy the kindness of her example, and honor our sweet and brilliant friend by paying it forward for others. i send my love to high pro glow, pam, lp, the Bucco's, and all of you. Spill a little Estee Lauder PC in your car and see if it doesn't make you want to drive to kroger for creamscicles or Isaly's for Kondikes. it will certainly lighten your heart. i love each of you.
Avis
Gail had a heart of gold . Sending my deepest sympathy 🙏
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