Obituary of Irving Kesten

Irving Kesten was born at home on August 28, 1922 in New York City and grew up in and around Manhattan and Brooklyn. He was the sixth of eight children born to Harry and Minnie Kesten, immigrants from Eastern Europe. He had the opportunity to attend college as he was unable to serve in World War II because of the residual effects of his childhood polio. He was, however, able to contribute to the war effort as an Air Warden. He graduated from City College with a degree in accounting and earned his CPA designation shortly thereafter. He met his wife Janet (nee Hansen) when they both worked for the same accounting firm. They married on July 4, 1954 and their 62+ years of marriage were an inspiration to their four children, five grandchildren, extended family and large circle of lifelong friends. Watching firework displays on the Hudson and/or East Rivers were an apt backdrop for their anniversary celebrations! He enjoyed a long and successful accounting career that spanned 50 years, many of which were spent in the Broadway theater community as a financial adviser and CPA. His love of theater and music, of all genres, was nourished by this connection. He was an avid reader of history, particularly related to the Civil War and US Presidents. Irv was also a lover of all things “New York,” especially his beloved Yankees and the 1960s and 70s Knicks. His first exposure to life outside the big city was a week spent at a camp on Fire Island where he learned to swim and appreciate the outdoors. This was a memory he carried with him his entire life. A true New Yorker, he loved the city’s parks, whether playing handball, paddleball or volleyball, enjoying picnic dinners while listening to the Philharmonic or at the Delacorte’s annual Shakespeare in the Park productions. The spontaneous and immediate tributes the family has received portray a man that was extraordinary, loved and cherished by everyone who knew him. Adjectives range from amazing husband, father, grandfather and friend; brilliant, charismatic, perceptive, happy, contented, with a strong moral compass and a genuine and enduring love of family. His unique and contagious sense of humor and his megawatt smile will live on! Irv had many talents: a competitive Hearts and bridge player, patient teacher extraordinaire, music mix-tape master, baked ziti, latkes and pancake chef, movie trivia ‘encyclopedia’ and a human GPS. (No need for Google or Garmin in his life!) He particularly delighted in hosting parties with Janet. Over the years, Sunday suppers with family, Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve parties along with celebrations for ‘everything and anything,’ provided joy… and an excuse to introduce single malt scotch to the uninitiated! He was his own man. He led by quiet and measured example, with unflagging integrity. As was once exclaimed, “Irv, you’re a marvel!” Truer words were never spoken. During the last weeks of his life, despite his declining health, his fighting spirit and love for Janet — his devoted and beautiful wife — sustained him beyond words. He is survived by his wife Janet, children Douglas, Lauren (Veit), Joanne (Jim) and Robert (Pam); grandchildren Amanda, Sam, Dylan, Bennett and Anna. He is predeceased by his seven siblings Jack, Isidore, Lee, Sarah, Joseph, Gertrude and Anna. The family is grateful for the love and support provided by his caregiver/aide, Carlene of whom he was very fond. In lieu of flowers, donations in his name may be made to The Southern Poverty Law Center or Music + Memory.