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Martin

Kesten

Obituary

Martin Kesten of Bloomfield, CT, cherished husband, father, brother, grandfather, uncle, successful businessman, inventor, philanthropist and veteran passed away at the age of 86 on January 14, 2013 after a long illness. Born in Vienna, Austria in 1926, Martin emigrated with his parents to escape the growing brutality of the Nazis, beginning a two year journey in 1939 that would take him through 10 countries before arriving in the U.S in 1941. Throughout the journey, with all the challenges of attaining proper papers, hostile border crossings, hunger, and illness, the family always found fellow Jews to aid them.

Martin remained a devoted son to his father, Joseph Kesten of Monticello and Miami, and Mother, Regina Kesten of Hartford, until each passed away in 1974. Although separated by the Atlantic Ocean he remained close to his older brother Salo until his passing in 2009.

A 1946 graduate of Weaver High School in Hartford, Martin entered the United States Army in 1945 and served through 1946. Martin became a citizen of the United States in 1945 while stationed in Florida for basic training. He attended the Connecticut State Technical Institute (now Capital Community College) and graduated with high honors in 1949, earning an Associate’s Degree. He continued his professional development and education at the University of Hartford, the American Society for Quality Control, and the Connecticut State Technical Institute.

Martin married Muriel Fishberg in 1949, celebrating their marriage with friends and family at the Hotel Garde in Hartford. Originally fixed up by their mothers, the marriage flourished.

Martin worked for H.P Townsend Mfg. Co., Bland Burner Co., and Dynamic Control, gaining experience and expertise in engineering, quality control, management and organization, production and material control, and purchasing. In 1966 he was hired as chairman of the board of directors at Preston Engravers, joining with James Ferris, the late Anthony Monaco, and Paul Monaco to chart a new course for the company. After a year, he earned his partnership in Preston. The company began a period of expansion and invention with Martin aboard, building their own new 20,000 sq. ft. facility in Windsor which began operation in 1968. Over the years, the company added onto the original plant. Once relocated, Preston Engravers employed as many as 160 workers. After the partners sold Preston Engravers in 1984, Martin continued on in a consulting capacity to successive corporate owners of the business before retiring in 1995. Paul and James remained close, trusted friends for the rest of Martin’s life.

As an inventor, Martin held 16 patents in the United States and 10 in Canada, improving the efficiency and precision of the die-cutting process. Martin received professional recognition from the Flexographic Technical Association for “Distinguished Service.” He was a Senior Member of the American Society for Quality Control and a past Chairman of Membership for that society. He was the Connecticut State Technical Institute Alumni President for eleven years. Martin had a long history of involvement with community programs, both as a generous supporter and as an active board member. His dedication to Congregation Beth Shalom of Hartford was instrumental to their merger with Beth Hillel of Bloomfield in 1969. With his wife, he was an active member of the Beth Hillel congregation. He was a long serving member of the synagogue board as well as active with Muriel in the Mr. and Mrs. Club. He and his wife proudly built the Kesten-Fishberg Chapel at Beth Hillel. He worked on the design and construction of Beth Hillel’s Social Hall, and the design and execution of the ark for the Ida and Samuel Cohen wing.

Martin brought humor and charm to his interactions with people of all walks of life. He was a loyal friend, ever-helpful and generous. Martin enjoyed dining out with friends and family gatherings. With Muriel, he hosted and presided over more than six decades of Thanksgiving dinners. Martin took great pride in his children’s accomplishments and was always encouraging and supportive about their educations and careers.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 63 years Muriel Kesten, his five devoted children Sharon Kesten, Harlie Kesten, Allen Kesten, Steven Kesten and Michael Kesten and their wives, husbands and partners, Fred Wheeler, Stephen Waite, Lauren Kesten, and Amy Zeldes, and by his granddaughter Madeline Kesten. He is also survived by his niece Carol Bojarski and her husband Larry Bojarski who were like another daughter and son-in-law, their children Sarah Lewis and Mathew Bojarski, and the newest member of the family, Charlotte Lewis, daughter of Sarah and Stephen Lewis. He is also survived by his dear cousin and childhood buddy Malvina Joles Brady and her family, and Marilyn and Alan and Lindsay Goodman, and Susan and Paul Steiner, and Warren and Leslie Gordon and family. He is also survived by Tony and Erika Kesten in England as well as other family members from the Rath, Joles, Kesten, Greif, and Fishberg lineage. Love and care for his family, deep faith, love of his adopted country, and active engagement with the community are the hallmarks of Martin Kesten’s remarkable life.

Funeral service will be Wednesday, January 16, 2013, at 1:30 PM , in the Sanctuary of Beth Hillel Synagogue, 160 Wintonbury Ave., Bloomfield, with Rabbi Gary Atkins officiating. Interment will be private. Weinstein Mortuary, Hartford, in charge of arrangements. Relatives and friends may call at Beth Hillel before the service, beginning at 1:00 PM. Expressions of sympathy may be made in Martin’s memory to the Helen and Harry Gray Cancer Center at Hartford Hospital – Fund Development, 80 Seymour St. P.O. Box 5037, Hartford, CT, 06102, or charity of choice. For further information, directions, or to sign the guest book for Martin, please visit online at www.weinsteinmortuary.com/funerals.cfm

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From: Anthony Kesten

From Milton Keynes, United Kingdom, UK

Posted On: January 22, 2013

My Uncle Marty was a lovely man! I enjoyed being around him. We here in the UK, and I know I speak for my sister Erica and her partner John and my wife Meg and my two 'children' Jamie and Joanna, will all miss him greatly.

From: Charles Stein

From Flushing, NY

Posted On: January 27, 2013

I was very sorry to learn of Marty's passing. I remember being a boy in Miami Beach who was so excited when Marty would come to town to visit his father, his aunt (i.e., my grandmother), and the rest of the southern branch of the family. He would entertain us with his jokes and take us to dinner. I also have fond memories of visits to Marty & Micky's home in Hartford, getting to see snow for the first time, befriend cousins, and so forth. I wish we could have had much more time together.

From: Charlotte Kesten

From Boynton Beach, FL

Posted On: January 26, 2013

There are too many memories to mention, but the most memorable was our trip to Vienna about 25 years ago with Salo and Frnces. It seems like yesterday! I will miss our 1/2 way lunches in the summer. Mickey, you have all my love and support, as do the children.

From: Cynthia Stein

From Delray Beach, FL

Posted On: January 26, 2013

Dear Mickey,

I don't even know what to say. Sorry is such a poor word for what I am feeling.

I wish we did manage to get together the summer of 2011 but now I understand why we didn't.

My heart goes out to you, your children and grandchildren and your "great" granddaughter.

Marty certainly wasn't one to brag. I never heard about patents he held.

Love to all of you.

Cynthia

From: Michael Kumnick

From Granby, CT

Posted On: January 18, 2013

Hi Steve,

We are so sorry to hear about the passing of your Dad. He had a remarkable life and has left quite a legacy. Please give our best to your Mom and to all the family.

Mike,Laurie,Melissa,Brooke and Brandon

From: Lois Mathieu & William Newell

From Bloomfield, CT

Posted On: January 15, 2013

To Micky, children and family, we are saddened to learn of the passing of Marty. He was our longtime neighbor, who always greeted us with an uplifting and philosophical bon mot. His remarkable life leaves bountiful memories for many people.
With much affection, Lois and Bill

From: Reba and Art Nassau

From Avon, CT

Posted On: January 17, 2013

We were saddened to hear of Marty's passing. Marty was so generous to so many without seeking publicity for his acts of philanthropy. Mickey, we are in Florida and therefore cannot be with you this week to tell you personnally how much we will miss him. Our sincere condolences. Reba and Art

From: Normand & Huguette Dube

From New Britain, CT

Posted On: January 16, 2013

We shall forever remember Marty as a unique friend and employer who epitomized the concepts of honesty, kindness and generosity throughout his life.

From: Catherine W Coburn

From West Hartford, CT

Posted On: January 16, 2013

Martin was always such a caring friend to me & my family and he will be missed by so many people. My sympathy to his family.

From: Rona Gollom

From Simsbury, CT

Posted On: January 16, 2013

Mickey,
My sincerest condolences to you and your family. Marty was an incredible man. I feel I was very fortunate in knowing him. I am sorry I cannot attend the funeral as I am in Colorado.

Rona

From: Bill and Sharon Fishberg

From Lake Worth, FL

Posted On: January 15, 2013

Dear Mickey and family,
Sharon and I are saddened to hear about Marty's passing. He was a very warm person and a great family man. He will surely be missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Bill and Sharon Fishberg
Lake Worth, Florida

From: Terria & James Linn

From Milford, CONNECTICUT

Posted On: January 15, 2013

I met Marty over dinner with his daughter Harlie. His sense of humor and ability to tell a story belied his great love of his family and life.

From: Judith Brady

From East Lansing, MI

Posted On: January 15, 2013

Our hearts ache for you. Marty's love, humor and unfailing support knew no bounds. Judy

From: Malvina Brady

From Silver Spring, MD

Posted On: January 15, 2013

Marty was a beloved and loyal friend. He will be sorely missed by family, friends and the community. Malvina

From: martha labell

From Boston, MA

Posted On: January 15, 2013

I was saddened to hear of the passing of Martin Kesten. I send my condolences to my longtime friends Sharon and Harlie and their family. My thoughts are with you. Martha Labell

From: PJ Jablonski

From Rockledge,, Fl

Posted On: January 15, 2013

Dear Sharon, Fred and family. So sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Richard and PJ

From: Irwin Lustig

From West Hartford, Connecticut

Posted On: January 15, 2013

He was a great friend and will be missed by all.

From: Jack Rodin

From Bloomfield, Ct

Posted On: January 15, 2013

Society suffers and should mourn the loss of Marty, a sweet generous talented man who gave so very much to all
Jack R

From: David & Barbara Klau

From West Simsbury, CT

Posted On: January 14, 2013

Dear Mickey and family - We are so saddened to learn of Marty's death. We loved him, and never had a conversation with him that did not leave us feeling his caring and warmth. He was such a special man, and he had such an impact on this community. We shall miss him. We would be at his funeral, but are in Florida. Sending our prayers and sympathies. David & Bobby Klau

From: Marion Kervin

From Brooklyn, CT

Posted On: January 14, 2013

Steven,

I was saddened to hear about the death of your father. My deepest sympathies to you and your family.

Marion

From: Joel Caplin

From WEST HARTFORD, CT

Posted On: January 14, 2013

Karen Goodman and Joel Caplin are so sorry to hear about Marty's passing and being in Florida, we are unable to come to the funeral. We will always remember Marty's spirit, his smile and his warmth. He will be missed by many many people. Please accept our deepest condolences.

From: MICHAEL LIPTON

From DELRAY BEACH, FL

Posted On: January 14, 2013

Dear Aunt Mickey, I am deeply saddened to learn of Uncle Marty's passing and want you to know that my thoughts and prayers are with you and the family during this difficult time in your life. I will always remember Marty as a warm and gentle man, very devoted to you and the children as well as the Jewish community. May you find strength in the wonderful memories of your years together. Love, Michael Lipton

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