Obituary of Harold Kanter

Harold (“Hal”) Kanter passed away peacefully on October 24 in his home in Boca Raton, Florida, surrounded by his loving family. He was 91 years old.      

Born on the Lower East Side of Manhattan in 1928, Hal’s 91 years were packed with action, accomplishment, and humor. In 1944 he joined the Navy as a Signalman, serving in Alaska. In Manhattan, he opened successful restaurants and nightclubs, including Locale, the African Room, Spindletop, and Broadway Joe’s Steakhouse on Restaurant Row. During his five decades as a restauranteur and nightclub owner in New York City, Hal rubbed elbows with the Avant-garde at his restaurant in Greenwich Village, hosted legendary performers at his nightclubs and was slapped by Eartha Kitt. He was a trained sommelier, an impeccable dancer, and a world traveler: he hot air ballooned in Africa, visited the Taj Mahal and the Ganges River in India, explored his family’s roots in Eastern Europe, and deepened his Jewish faith in Israel. Hal loved his active life in Florida, frequenting his favorite restaurants, attending concerts and University of Miami football games, and walking five miles every day.      

A beloved father, grandfather, and great grandfather, “GGpa” is survived by his daughter, Patti Kanter Aagaard, four grandchildren, Michael, Christopher, Thomas and Dane Aagaard, and their wives, and six great grandchildren. His family adored visiting him and was by his side at the time of his passing. He will be remembered for his wisdom, his unrivaled hospitality, and his boundless generosity.      

A private service will be held at 11:30am on Sunday, October 27 at Cedar Park and Beth El Cemeteries in Paramus, NJ. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to St Jude’s Children Hospital.