Herbert Theodore Glantz

Born on February 3, 1930, in Brooklyn, to Edwin Glantz and Rose Glantz (Barnett), Herb showed an early aptitude for mathematics that would shape the course of his life. He graduated from Brooklyn Technical High School in 1948, then earned a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics in 1952 and a Master of Science in Mathematics in 1954, both from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, where he also played on the MIT basketball team. He served his country as an officer in the US Army during the Korean Conflict from 1954 to 1956, working in cryptoanalysis for an early version of the NSA.

Herb began his career as a management consultant for John Diebold, an early leader in the computing field. He went on to join the family sign supply business, N. Glantz & Son, started by his grandfather, which he expanded and led through considerable national growth over the course of his decades-long and successful career. The company continues today into its fourth generation. Herb took pleasure knowing the business remained in the family.

On April 16, 1967, Herb was married to Kitty Glantz (Falbel). Over the 59+ years that followed, their loving bond and devotion to each other was an inspiration to all who knew them.

Beyond his professional life, Herb was defined by a deep and abiding commitment to civic and community affairs, much of it in devoted service to the borough he loved. He served as President of the Brooklyn Heights Synagogue, where he was widely credited with reviving the congregation, and he sat on the boards of Long Island College Hospital, the Brooklyn Botanic Garden, and the Brooklyn Museum. He maintained lifelong involvement with his alma mater, MIT. An Eagle Scout in his youth, he carried the values of that distinction throughout his life.

Herb’s loyalty to New York extended to its ballfields and arenas: he was said to be one of the longest-tenured Knicks season ticket holders in Madison Square Garden’s history, and a steadfast fan and season ticket holder of the Jets and Mets. Summers found him sailing in Nantucket Sound; winters, skiing in Colorado. Closer to home, he was an avid and accomplished bridge player.

His friends and family remember Herb for his generosity, integrity, vast intelligence and store of knowledge, as well as his keen and continued interest in the world around him. He was a distinguished and decent man who took his civic responsibilities seriously and gave freely of his time and resources. Herb was a patriot and proud American. He valued all of America’s freedoms, but most importantly the patriotic act of voicing disagreement with politicians or policies he thought did not best serve the people or planet.

Herb was known for often repeating the same idioms and adages, which became known as “Herbalisms”. Among his favorites was “The reward of a thing well done is to have done it” (Ralph Waldo Emerson). His work ethic and diligence were tremendous.

Herb is survived by his wife, Kitty Glantz, his sister, Alice Daniel, his children, Randy Glantz (Julie Sanders), Joseph Hartman (Dr. Rella Hartman), Dr. Eric Hartman (Dr. Carole Thomas), Lisa Prickett (Glenn Prickett), Davey Glantz (Gali Glantz), Jennifer Johnston (Greg Johnston), and 15 adored grandchildren of whom he could not have been more proud. He was predeceased by his parents, Edwin and Rose Glantz.

The family asks that memorial contributions be made to the Brooklyn Botanic Garden, https://www.bbg.org/.