OUR FATHER, HERBERT KALTBAUM
BY GARY KALTBAUM- AUGUST 25, 2025
Our father, Herbert Kaltbaum, passed away this past weekend at almost 94 years old. A great life indeed. It got much tougher when his beloved wife, our mother, passed away last Thanksgiving. They were inseparable. His health deteriorated since. He fought the good fight all the way.
From age 11 to 17, he worked 2 jobs, selling newspapers year round at night and locker boy at the Washington Baths during the day when not in school. He gave every dime of pay to his mother…every dime.
He was a great athlete in every sport. He had baseball tryouts with the NY Yankees and Brooklyn Dodgers. Some of our fondest memories was tag football in the streets and was famous for being the QB for our favorite play…down and out, pump it, go long.
He was a relentless Giants, Knicks and we will forgive him for being a Yankees and not Mets fan. Our last conversation was about the Giants recent thumping of the Patriots in pre-season. Yes…pre-season mattered to him.
He enlisted in the Coast Guard on August 24, 1951 and spent time on two ships, the USCG Matagorda and the USCG Duane. He was discharged on August 23, 1954.
After his discharge, he took advantage of the GI Bill and went to Long Island College, graduating cum laude. He was brilliant.
In 1957, got married to our mother Thelma, a sweetheart of many years. In 1958, Steven was born. Then came yours truly on October 1, 1960, a momentous day in history.
While in college, he worked nights at Buddy Lee Clothes, studying the retail business relentlessly. After graduation, entered the training program at Abraham and Straus and moved up the ladder.
And then came Florida. Moved to North Miami Beach working for Richard’s Department Store. The first week in Florida, we were hit by a tornado right through our apartment. Welcome to Florida. He then moved on to JByrons, which was bought out by the Jack Eckerd Corporation. Amazingly, he has still been receiving checks from this company.
And back to New York to become Sr. Vice President of Woolworth’s Woolco division. Hung his hat there for about 5 years before ultimately moving to becoming President of Powerflite Aluminum Sporting Goods. I was once invited by him to one of those sports super shows in Atlanta where my father, yes my father, walks over to me as I walked in…with Muhammad Ali. Yes…that Muhammad Ali. My father knew him and knew him well but never boasted about it. He introduced us and got to shake his hand. I met many other stars during that trip and every one of them knew my father. Talk about being a proud young son.
His last stop was running the NBC Stores…a pretty cool place to visit.
Kicking back, my father retired in the late 80s. He and my mother were inseparable, enjoying trips with relatives and friends and simply enjoying the fruits of all his labor throughout the years. He preached family. He would always say “la familia” to make sure we knew where our priorities should be. He adored our sons, Aaron and Eric and was a fabulous grandfather to them. And then came Reece Daniel, his great grandson. While not doing well, he lit up every time Reece would visit and every time I would show him a video or facetime with him.
But after our mother passed, you could tell a part of him was lost. During the past year, age took over. You cannot fight age. We cherished every moment spent knowing the eventuality. The past couple of months were very tough. We could tell how frustrated he was by his situation. We did everything possible for his comfort. Fortunately, we never had to move him from his happy abode and that is where he peacefully passed in his sleep.
We were told many years ago that we must watch THE OFFICE because it was one of the great comedies. We got hooked…great comedy, great one-liners but must tell you, it was a serious line from the show that hit home more and something we will remember, especially at these important moments. At the end of the series, Andy Bernard, one of the nut jobs on the show actually said something profound and hit home to us and that is: “I wish there was a way to know you’re in the good old days, before you’ve actually left them.”
Life moves too quickly. Before you know it, our loved ones are gone. Please enjoy every minute while they are around and let them know it and let them know it again.
Herbert Kaltbaum 93+ years of greatness, in every way.
I always remember the story of the two ships from The Talmud. How we should cheer the ship coming home over the ship going out because the ship coming home has completed a successful journey.
Your parents both completed a successful journey, and, as The Talmud says, “there is no greater boon than to leave this world with the imperishable crown of a good name.”
Dear Gary,
So sorry about your lost Gary.
Great man, great story and proud son.
Rest in peace good man!
Alex Marenco
Thanks for sharing that. Again my sympathies to you and all your Familia!
Gary that was very well said. Our fathers are our heroes and we hope “la familia” could be every family motto. Thanks for your post. I have followed you and your show since 2008-9. Very much appreciate your direct approach to markets, and investing. Be well
Gary:
May your father Rip.
Chris Miller
Port St Lucie, FL
This is a beautiful tribute to a man who lived life well. My conferences to you and your family on his passing.
Gary, that was a beautiful tribute. Made me think of my Dad and my Uncles. There’s something about those old New York guys!
Condolences to you and your family
Well done. Would have been nice to know him.
Sounds like a truly great man…which makes you a very fortunate son. Unfortunately in this day and time love of family carries little credence to some people but to those of us who have lived in a loving family it is truly precious.
Your father had to know the loving care that you and your brother showed during his last year was a reassurance of his devotion to family that he instilled in his sons. What a fabulous legacy and tribute to his memory!
God bless Gary. Now carry on the great work that you do!
Beautiful tribute. Your family was truly blessed. May his memory be for a blessing
My deepest condolences to you and your family. My father, a WWII veteran, passed away at 99 in his sleep a couple years ago. Long live the greatest generation in our hearts.
Beautiful words for a man who must have lived a happy, contented life.
May he find his peace with the One Above.
So Sorry Prayers And Condolences To The Family Godspeed
Bless you Gary to you and your family. Not much I can say, but your
Dad is dancing with your Mom up in heaven watching over Reece. God bless Don
Gary
I want to join the thousands of your listeners, in offering my condolences. Your Herbert tribute sure described a wonderful man !!!
dave cooper branford ct
My condolences Gary and to your family. Family is the most important thing in life so true! You had your Dad and Mom for a long time. You are truely blessed to have them so long. Now it’s your turn to take the mantle and lead the family. I have 2 daughters and 3 grandchildren and they are my finest accomplishment in life. Blessed life to you!
Very touching tribute to your Dad. Be thankful for the long time you had with your Mom & Dad.
Unlike your Dad, Abraham & Strauss…gone and forgotten
Peace to you and your family
You and yours have our condolences since losing your father.
We listen to Investorsedge every night, and we and several others would like information about
investing with you, e.g. minimum to open account, your inception and market returns (which we
think are probably exceptional!!!)
TAKE CARE AND KEEP UP THE GREAT WORK!!!!!!!!!!!!!b LOVE YA!!!!!!!!!!!
WE and several others listen to Investors edge every night and would like information about opening
an account with you. LOVE YA!!!!!!!!
Gary, condolences to you and family. I enjoyed the write-up of “Our Father” and your beloved dad is with your beloved mom and may they both Rest In Peace. You are a wonderful son. Peace be with you, your brother and family.
You are all in our prayers. God be with you all,
Really sorry to hear about your father, Gary. Thoughts and prayers are with your family.
Gary, thank you for sharing your thoughts. What a great man, and father. Most heartfelt condolences to you and your family. A great man.
Phil Raczka
Twinsburg Ohio
Sorry, Gary I know how it is my mom pasted at 94 two years ago.
I am wiping tears. You were truly fortunate. You have a right to be proud. My Condolences. He will live on in you. He taught you well. RIP
May God continue to bless your family through his memories.
May the joyous memories of your father shine brightest on these dark and difficult days.
Dear Gary,
My deepest condolences go out to you and your family. I’ve been following your podcast starting the first of the year and have been touched greatly by your stories of your father in these months of struggle. I lost my 92 year old father this past Christmas day, so I feel your pain and sorrow. My prayers reach out to our heavenly Father on your behalf for Him to give you comfort.
Sincerely,
Stan Jones
Love the way you have shown both love and respect for your father. Not just words but actions too. (All the trips to NYC, and sitting by his side!)
Thank you for sharing your journey over this period of time — first with your mom and now with your dad.
I lost my parents way too early, so it’s been enlightening and inspiring to hear your story. Wonderful that you’ve been willing to share your feelings about family too! God Bless!
HI GARY…I have been a fan of your show for five years or so. Being an 81 y.o.”older guy”, I have identified with your stories about your parents’ recent struggles and late life challenges. I am sure the love and pride for them that you display on your show was comforting as they moved through their final stage of life. All parents should hope for the same from their children.
BILL
Wow Gary! What a beautiful and honoring tribute to your father! I am grateful you have shared a part of him with us and his positive influence on your life. I am sorry for your loss and pray for you and your family during this season.
Warm regards,
Jeff
Beautiful words. Your words have provided comfort for me and my family in that we lost our mom in May . Thank you and God Bless your and your family . I was told that now my parents are finally together again , and so are your parents . Looking down on us .
Your father was a great man and you sir are a great son.
You will take comfort in the years ahead knowing that you and yours did everything possible to look after your parents. God Bless you!
My sincere condolences to you and your family.
Hi Gary,
So sorry about your Dad & Mom too but what a great life he lived! Thanks for sharing this article.