Frank Kartan

Kartan, Frank Henry, 79 of River Vale, passed away on November 25, 2019.
He leaves his wife of 53 years, Joan (Lowry) Kartan, his daughter, Kimberly Cuffe and her husband Michael Cuffe of Hillsdale, NJ and his son, Donald Kartan and his wife Clarice Kartan of Burlington Flats, NY, and his three grandchildren, Amanda, Sean & Kevin Cuffe of Hillsdale, NJ.

He is also survived by his sister Terry Kurtiak and his brother Thomas. He was predeceased by his two brothers, Richard and Robert, as well as his parents, Helen and Stanley.

Born and raised in Jersey City, NJ, Frank graduated from St. Anthony’s High School where he was President of his class and played varsity basketball. He earned both his Bachelor of Arts degree in Mathematics and Science and his Master’s degree in Student Personnel and Guidance from Jersey City State College and also played basketball for the college. Later on he attended Montclair State College to achieve several advanced certifications. Mr. Kartan served as an advanced Math Teacher at North Arlington High School for 14 years and finished his career as a Guidance Counselor for 26 years giving him a total of 40 years of service and dedication to the students. He also coached basketball, track and volleyball at the high school. Early in his career he was an assistant basketball coach at St. Anthony’s High School in Jersey City, and then helped coach basketball at Jersey City State College.

While working at NAHS, he served as Chairperson of the K-12 Math Curriculum Revision Committee. He was VP and President of the North Arlington Teachers Association. He was also Chairperson of the Principal’s Advisory Council for 20 years. Since 1981 he was the coordinator of the 8-12 developmental career program know as “Project Lead the Way” and was awarded the Outstanding Counselor Program Award in New Jersey by the Association of Professional Counselors in 1991.

Frank was a member of the Hillsdale United Methodist Church and in his younger days served on the Sunday School Education Committee. He coached little league baseball and also started the Saturday morning basketball clinics for youth in River Vale. An avid self-taught golfer and tennis player in his adulthood, Frank also enjoyed attending the open gym basketball pickup games every week, very pleased that he still had his “jump shot”!

Frank and his wife, Joan, and their family were summer residents of Ocean Grove, NJ for 30 years. They had fond memories of the historic Methodist seaside community. Frank & Joan met while Joan was doing her student teaching at North Arlington High School and Frank was a first year Math Teacher. In their retirement they enjoyed cruises, the Jersey Shore and watching their grandchildren’s sports games and being around family.

The family will be holding a memorial service on Saturday, November 30, at 4:00 p.m. at the Hillsdale United Methodist Church, 349 Hillsdale Avenue, Hillsdale, NJ.