Harold M. Gerstein, 84, died Monday, September 25, 2017 at West View Nursing & Rehabilitation Center, surrounded by his loving family. He was the beloved husband of Karen (Wolfe) Gerstein for 55 years.
Born in Boston, a son of the late Samuel and Esther (Wexler) Gerstein. He was a radio operator in the United States Air Force during the Korean War, serving in Germany and Stateside from ‘52-‘56. Harold taught for one year in Thomaston, CT, before returning to Boston University where he earned his Masters Degree of Education, Ed.M., in 1963. Harold and Karen moved to RI where he taught at Johnson and Wales and was Union President. Harold lived in Warwick for 51 years, and was an educator in the Warwick School System for 30 years. He was a Business Education teacher and DECA advisor at Pilgrim and Toll Gate High Schools. Harold and his students won numerous national DECA competitions and he was very proud of their accomplishments.
After retiring from teaching in 1990, Harold opened the former Creative Unique Things Etc., ‘C.U.T.E.’ at the RI Mall. Harold later worked at the gift shops at T.F. Green Airport. Harold was the former President of the RI Business Educator Association and the RI Association Distributive Education Coordinator. He received the 1978-79 RIBEA Outstanding Business Educator of the year and the 1979-80 State D.E Teacher of the Year awards. Harold loved spending time with his family and dressing up for the holidays at the Dialysis Center of Warwick (ARA) to the delight of his fellow patients and the extraordinary staff. He enjoyed the look on people’s faces when this Jewish man explained he had played Santa Claus for the residents in nursing homes for years.
He was the devoted father of Pamela Powell (Christopher Gentile) of Warwick and Debra Goragely (Patrick) of Tampa, FL. Loving grandfather of Lauren Walker (Doug) and Caroline Powell. Cherished great-grandfather of Andrew Walker, who was the light of his life. He was the brother of the late Claire Franklin and the late Ruth Feldman.
The Gerstein family will always remember the sincere kindness and much needed humor offered by the Westview staff during Harold’s stay. Funeral services and shiva will be held Wednesday.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be made to RI Jewish War Veterans, PO Box 100064, Cranston, RI 02910. For online condolences, please visit ShalomMemorialChapel.com
