Martin Barry Kleiman MD

Dr. Martin Barry Kleiman, 82, of Indianapolis, passed away peacefully on January 31, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. He leaves behind an indelible legacy of compassion and dedication to the care of children in the Indiana and greater medical community. 

Martin was born in Newark, New Jersey on February 3, 1942 to Irving and Fannie (Schwartz) Kleiman. He was raised in a loving home on Jelliff Avenue with his two older sisters, who playfully dubbed him “The Prince” of the family. Martin proudly graduated from Weequahic High School. 

He was a self-made man. He worked tirelessly to pay his way through both his undergraduate and medical studies at Rutgers University and SUNY Upstate Medical University, respectively. After medical school, he served as an Officer in the U.S. Army, treating ill and injured children at the Walter Reed Medical Center on the military base. He then went on to complete his formal training in Pediatric Infectious Diseases at the Johns Hopkins Children’s Center. He often reminisced on his years in Maryland, where he met lifelong friends and enjoyed traveling and sailing in his free time. 

In 1976, Martin was recruited to Riley Hospital for Children. There, he founded the Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases and became known as a brilliant clinician who was deeply committed to education and mentorship. He trained thousands of fellows, residents, and medical students — many who still regard him as their greatest career inspiration. They often remember his famous teaching on rounds, “No matter what, always do what is right for the child.” Many still regularly share stories of his skills as an astute diagnostician and his stern yet genuine compassion as a mentor and friend. 

 Martin embraced numerous roles beyond that of a physician. He worked diligently to ensure that hospital conditions met the highest standards for infection control; he researched and published countless papers in prestigious medical journals; he advocated for policies aimed at protecting both child and maternal health; he read and he studied and he earned the title of world expert on histoplasmosis infections in children. Despite these incredible accomplishments, he was a humble man who simply wanted to care for those around him. 

 In the 1980s, Martin was catapulted onto the national stage due to his relationship with Ryan White, a courageous young man who became the face of the AIDS epidemic after contracting HIV from a contaminated blood transfusion. Martin became Ryan’s primary physician after diagnosing him in 1984, up until his death in 1990. They developed a special bond — one that led Ryan to say, “I will only go to Riley” for treatment. Martin stood bravely before the national press, seeking to educate the public that HIV should not restrict Ryan, or anyone, from attending school or living a regular life. With quiet confidence, he stood up for what he knew was right. After Ryan’s passing, Martin became a cherished speaker at the annual Indiana University Dance Marathon (IUDM), motivating thousands of participants to honor Ryan’s legacy. Over the years, IUDM has raised more than $56 million, which has helped fund the creation of the Ryan White Center for Pediatric Infectious Diseases and Global Health as well as the Ryan White Endowed Chair in Pediatric Infectious Diseases — a position that was first held by Dr. Martin Kleiman.

 It is without question that this world has lost a brilliant mind; however, we have also lost a loving and dedicated husband, father, and friend. It was on the Riley Hospital intramural softball team that Martin met Maria Hysong. On a summer night in 1983, the two enjoyed a post-game slice of pizza and the rest was history. The two married on August 18, 1985, and went on to have three children — Zachary, Sarah, and Emily. All three children followed in their father’s footsteps by becoming physicians in various pediatric specialties. 

 In their free time, Martin and Maria would often be found playing tennis or golf with friends at Broadmoor Country Club, hiking at Eagle Creek, taking the kids to explore Holliday Park and the Indianapolis Zoo, or simply enjoying a quiet Saturday at home with a carafe of fresh-squeezed orange juice and a brown bag filled with Nora Bagels, lox and cream cheese. Once in a blue moon, Martin was known to take a drive in his beloved Porsche; however, more often, he’d ride his Kubota lawnmower and tend to his pristine yard. Not a single weed could be spotted in the Kleiman yard if Martin could help it. 

 Martin was an amateur photographer and a passionate collector of Nikon and Hasselblad cameras. He was a curious bird-watcher, a brilliant crossword-puzzler, and an utterly average golfer. He loved music and would enthusiastically sing along to every Frank Sinatra hit. He valued tradition, and he took immense pride in his family and its Jewish heritage. Despite his busy schedule, Martin made sure to participate in the three kids’ formal Jewish and Hebrew studies. He modeled the concept of ‘tikkun olam,’ and always emphasized the responsibility we hold in carrying on this important legacy. He would often share stories of his “Mama” and ”Daddy,” who he missed dearly and endlessly wished could have known their grandchildren. 

 Martin is preceded in death by his parents, Irving “Izzy” Kleiman and Fannie (Schwartz) Kleiman, and his two older sisters, Sandra Mendlen and Rosalyn Goodman (Eugene). He is survived by his beloved and devoted wife, Maria Kleiman; his children, Dr. Zachary Kleiman (Mary Kleiman), Dr. Sarah McClain (Connor McClain), and Dr. Emily Kleiman; grandchildren Reese, Chloe, and Dallas, and countless cousins, nieces, and nephews. His memory is a blessing to all those who knew him, his impact immeasurable, and his absence deeply felt. He is already missed beyond words, but will never, ever be forgotten. 

 Services will be held on Friday, February 7, 2025, at 11AM at the Indianapolis Hebrew Congregation, 6501 North Meridian Street. Visitation with the family will be held from 10AM-11AM. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the Alzheimer’s Association — an organization responsible for accelerating global research and maximizing high-quality care and support for those with Alzheimer’s and their caretakers.