Carl William Hertenstein’s love of adventure didn’t come to an end with his death. Carl passed away on March 1, 2021 at the age of 74 after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. His loved ones will continue to honor his legacy by living their lives to the fullest.
Carl will be lovingly remembered by his wife and best friend, Debbie; his two sons, Kristian (Kristin) and Craig (Ariane); three step-children, A.J. (Kristin), Emily (Ryan) and Jeremy; two brothers, Hank and Kris (Pam); 8 grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews; and many cousins, his “woodpile relatives” and many close friends. Carl was predeceased by his brother, Eric, and his parents William Carl (Bud) Hertenstein and Ruth Margaret Hertenstein (nee Dornedden).
Born in Brooklyn, New York, Carl was raised in Woodhaven, Queens in the family home that was built by his great grandfather. He was the oldest of 4 boys born to Bud and Ruth. His childhood was filled with many wonderful memories of spending time with family at the farm; family vacations to historical sites which led him to his love of history and spending time at the shore. He also had a love for trains, receiving his first train for his first Christmas. He enjoyed both traveling on and playing with trains and was a member of the H.B. Plant Railroad Historical Society in Plant City, FL. Carl’s other hobbies included following his favorite soccer team, Bayern Munich, and being a member of their club. He was an avid reader of historical fiction novels. Carl loved spending time with his family and had a special place in his heart for all his grandchildren. Carl had many friends and would do anything in the world for you if asked. Some of his close friends had a special nickname for him and would lovingly call him “Grumpy” which he loved.
Carl proudly served in the U.S. Army receiving an officer’s commission, serving a year in Vietnam and received multiple awards, including a Bronze Star Medal with a "V" Device. He was a member of the American Legion Post 24 in Bradenton, FL. He received his MBA from Fairleigh Dickinson University and pursued a successful career in Finance. Recently, he was the Treasurer of his HOA board.
The Boy Scouts was a lifelong passion for Carl. He began as a Cub Scout at age 8 and ultimately an Eagle Scout and was still actively involved at age 74. In New York, he was a longtime brother of Suanhacky Lodge and a longtime staff man at Ten Mile River Scout Camp, eventually becoming director of Family Camp. He was also active on the Queens Camping Committee, helping to promote camp to many Scouts throughout Queens. He was a recipient of the Silver Beaver Award. After moving to Florida, his involvement in scouting did not wane. He became a Unit Commissioner and District Member-at-Large for the Pathfinder and Fort Brook Districts, was Faculty on the College of Commissioner Science and very involved with the start- up of Sea Scout Ship 210 at Davis Island in Tampa. After the start-up, Carl was 1st Mate on the ship. He also served on the Board of the Sea Venturers of Florida Inc. He was a mentor to countless young boys and his achievements and awards speak loudly for his lifelong commitment.
A memorial service is scheduled for Saturday, May 22nd at 2:00pm at Blount and Curry Funeral Home at Garden of Memories located at 4207 E. Lake Ave, Tampa, 33610.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be sent to:
Sea Venturers of Florida Inc.
Attn: Thomas Bart Weiss
15854 Sanctuary Dr.
Tampa, Fl. 33647
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