Herbert F. Kartanos

LEOMINSTER – Herbert “Herb” Kartanos, 81, passed away Monday, Sep 18, at UMass University Campus in Worcester after a brief illness.

He was born on Aug. 30, 1942, in Bamberg, Germany, son of James and Hildegard (Drosert) Kartanos. His biological father Johan (Hans) Volkert was classified missing in action during WWII.  Herb graduated from Lunenburg High School and has an associates degree from Becker Jr. College and took several management courses at the University of Michigan.  He served in the US Army Reserve and was honorably discharged at the rank of Staff Sergeant in 1967.

He was a loving father, grandfather, uncle, and friend, who we will all miss so much!! He lit up any room he entered with his hearty laugh, big smile, and endless humor!  He loved spending time with his family, friends, and his beloved Lhasa Apso, Bogart!  He had many hobbies over his lifetime which included flying, boating, watching football, baseball, golf, and reading.  He always had a passion to be in the air or on the water.  He spent his free time sharing his hobbies with others by taking them flying to a fun location for lunch or the beach for the day.  His children have fond memories of flying and boating with him.  For the last twelve years he enjoyed his weekly golf outing with his brother-in law Roger and others.  He had a love for history and could always be found with a book in his hands about world history, wars, aircraft, politics, etc.  His family will miss his quick wit, his unconditional love, his German references, and his ability to handle any situation with a calm and steady approach.  He was famous for his boastful expressions such as “wunderbar”, “TGIM”, and “beaudacious”, just to name a few.  He loved attending his children and grandchildren’s activities and was famous for being the score keeper at the softball games.  Strangers from afar would yell out “Hey Herb, what’s the score?”  He was kind and friendly to everyone he met.  He was entertaining to talk to as he was well versed in many subjects.  He was always up to date on current events and could add color to any conversation.  He was in love with his little Bogart and enjoyed taking him on neighborhood walks where “Bogey” would see all his friends.  He was famous for his grilling and we will miss his Herburgers and his Boneless Breastless Chicken!  He was one in a million and the memories and laughter he’s left behind with anyone he’s met will live on forever!  We love you Grampy Doo Dah!! 

Herb spent most of his career traveling as a Sales Manager in the Saw and cutting tool industry and spent time working for both Simonds and Pacific HOE.  His work brought him to live a number of years in PA and GA.  He was a member of several clubs including VFW, AOPA, American Legion, Short Wing Piper Club, and the Saw Filers Association. 

He leaves his best friend and life companion Susan J. Cordio (Fischer) of Leominster; two sons, Scott W. Kartanos of Kansas City, MO and his fiancé Michelle “Missy” D. Konecny, and Keith M. Kartanos of Leominster; a daughter Holly K. Kartanos-Garcia and her husband Christopher T. Garcia of Leominster; mother of his children, Sandra F. (Fratoni) Kartanos of Leominster; Five Grand Children, Collin S. Kartanos of Kansas City, MO, Allison L. Gabriel, Alaina L. Garcia, Adam L. Garcia, and Adeline L. Garcia, all of Leominster;  a sister, Inge Brown and her husband, Roger, of Andover; a brother Daniel Kartanos and his wife, Carol, of Columbia, SC; a sister-in law Bette (Palazzi) Kartanos of Leominster; and many nieces and nephews.  He was predeceased by his mother and father as well as his twin brother Lothar “Lo” Kartanos of Leominster. 

Services will be private

A Celebration of Life will be held for family and friends at Slattery’s Restaurant in Fitchburg at 11:00am on Saturday September, 23rd.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to: Folds of Honor or Tunnel to Towers

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