Harold Kanter
October 24, 2019
Harold (Hal) Kanter passed away peacefully on October 24 in his home in Boca Raton, Florida, surrounded by his loving family. He was 91 years old.
Born on the Lower East Side of Manhattan in 1928, Hals 91 years were packed with action, accomplishment, and humor. In 1944 he joined the Navy as a Signalman, serving in Alaska. In Manhattan, he opened successful restaurants and nightclubs, including Locale, the African Room, Spindletop, and Broadway Joes Steakhouse on Restaurant Row. During his five decades as a restauranteur and nightclub owner in New York City, Hal rubbed elbows with the Avant-garde at his restaurant in Greenwich Village, hosted legendary performers at his nightclubs and was slapped by Eartha Kitt. He was a trained sommelier, an impeccable dancer, and a world traveler: he hot air ballooned in Africa, visited the Taj Mahal and the Ganges River in India, explored his familys roots in Eastern Europe, and deepened his Jewish faith in Israel. Hal loved his active life in Florida, frequenting his favorite restaurants, attending concerts and University of Miami football games, and walking five miles every day.
A beloved father, grandfather, and great grandfather, GGpa is survived by his daughter, Patti Kanter Aagaard, four grandchildren, Michael, Christopher, Thomas and Dane Aagaard, and their wives, and six great grandchildren. His family adored visiting him and was by his side at the time of his passing. He will be remembered for his wisdom, his unrivaled hospitality, and his boundless generosity.
A private service will be held at 11:30am on Sunday, October 27 at Cedar Park and Beth El Cemeteries in Paramus, NJ. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to St Judes Children Hospital.
Graveside
11:30 am Sunday, October 27, 2019
Beth El Cemetery
Soilder Hill Road & Forest Avenue
Paramus, New Jersey, United States
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87 plus years of friendship. G-d bless them. Harold was a star. May he continue to shine in our memories and may he rest in peace. He surely will be missed.
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Lit a candle in memory of Harold Kanter
Hal was a very special man with a very large heart and a generous spirit. Im certain that heaven will welcome you and God is there with open arms. Just the way you were there for so many of your friends. ❤️ Jackie Worth ❤️
I met Hal sometime ago in the 1970s he was best friends with my dear friend Joe Green who lived in my building on 16th Street in Manhattan. Hal was such a great guy. Being that I lived in The Hamptons it was difficult to see him but we talked on the phone pretty frequently. He would always say when you come to Florida you must visit with me. Actually this year my husband and I were planning to come to Fla to visit friends. And Hal would have been one of them. I loved always talking to Hal on many subjects. He was ALWAYS so upbeat and positive. Alway calling me Darling which Im sure he called many of his friends Darling. The last time I communicated with him was to wish him a Happy and Healthy Jewish New Year. I fortunately still have his texts back and forth. But most of all I am going to miss his distinct voice that will remain printed in my mind. Hal was a fabulous beautiful person and beautiful spirit. He will definitely be missed by me as I loved his positive energy. My deepest and heartfelt condolences to his family. Rest In Peace my friend and maybe one day down the road we will get to laugh together again. I sure hope so. Jackie Worth
I am deeply sorry for your loss. Hal was my neighbor at Whitehall in Boca Raton. We shared the same elevator. We kidded around about the incompetence of the board and the age of my car. He was the one of the kindest and warmhearted, and yes lighthearted people I have ever known. He loved to cook and we would share meals that were always excellent and super healthy. Hal was a health nut and I was a tennis player so we shared that sensibility. I remember last Thanksgiving when neither one of my kids came to visit, but Hal invited me out so I wouldn’t be alone. He was the consummate gentleman and a wonderful neighbor. It is a sad day for me to learn of his passing.
Lit a candle in memory of Harold Kanter
Harold was always one of my favorite family members. His sense of humor was great and he always had nothing but good things to say. I was lucky enough to get to see him a few years ago at his apartment and he had a great time showing me the beach and the the girls volleyball games through his binoculars. Followed by lunch at his favorite restaurant you couldnt ask for a better day. Just like my father he was the Peter Pan of the family. Never wanted to grow up. Just wanted to have fun. He will be missed.
Always looked forward to see Harold. Always gave me a new insight on life. Roger
Cousin Harold was my mom(Sheila) favorite relativepal. He became a friend of mine too although too sporadically(my fault). But, the love that he oozed was so wonderful, warm and lasting. Full of the most interesting stories and philosophies on life. I’ll keep a part of Harold with me always-some really great stories and memories.. Of course, as fate has it, my wife Julie and I have meant to call Harold the last few weeks to get together and visit since he lives only 30 minutes away. What was I waiting for….I’ll forever kick myself for not calling sooner. My life was much richer for having known this wonderful man with his passion for enjoyment, love of life and youthful nature…. Patti, I don’t have your contact info. I hope you’ll reach out to me when you can. You were born on the same day as my older brother Phil Abrams. I know you had a nice relationship with my folks(Sheila & Fred)they spoke of you often, and I’m sorry we’ve never really gotten together that I can recall. my email is cliffymon@aol.com my cell is 843-333-2711
We became family when Hals grandson, Christopher and our Daughter, Victoria, married in 2011. Actually it happened long before then, when Hal first met Victoria, he embraced her as family immediately and we come along as a package deal. Hal liked deals, and we loved Hal. Hals capacity for love and family knew no bounds. He was fiercely protective of his familys well being and happiness, generous beyond measure and offered advice and wisdom to his family when needed. He was proud of his grandsons, and adored his great grandchildren, always revealing in their accomplishments. He was outgoing, loved life and sharing with all. He was a great conversationalist and his penchant for hospitality came naturally. We spend many joyous occasions with Hal and the memories will live with us forever. We are so grateful to have had him in our lives. As the song goes Thanks for the Memories
We miss you dearly, ggpa. Love you – Tommy