Daniel S. Karty was born on July 16, 1922, and passed away on Monday, Dec. 19, 2016, in St. Louis, Missouri.
The son of Julius and Mary, Dan married the love of his life, Frances, when he was 21 years old. For 51 years, the two were inseparable except when he served during World War II. A long-term resident of St. Louis and following his military work as an expert communications telegrapher stationed across the U.S. and in Japan, Dan worked in government positions and with the Army Corps of Engineers until retirement. He and Frances regularly cared for their grandchildren, briefly living in Kansas City a few years prior to the unexpected death of Frances in 1995.
He is survived by his children: Steven (Elaine) Karty, Alec (Maraline) Karty, Karen (Jim Blessing) Karty, and Janice (Bruce Baskir) Karty; grandchildren: Aaron (Anh Tran) Karty, Sam Karty, Ben (Alison) Karty, Kevin (Marcie Black) Karty, Joel (Valerie) Karty, Sarah (Jack Steinberg) Karty, Ann (Billy Silverman) Karty, David (Stacey) Karty, Rachel Goldman (Joe) Elyachar, Eli Baskir, Rubin Baskir and Liza Baskir; great-grandchildren: Bryce and Liam Karty, Rhea and Simon Karty, Joshua and Jacob Karty, Gabriel Steinberg, Ariel, Hannah and Joel Silverman, Farrah, Micah and Leia Karty; brother: Jack (Carol) Karty; and sister-in-law: Rochelle Karty. He was predeceased by his parents and his brother, Norman.
Dan enjoyed spending time with his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, often teaching them about Morse code and practicing his hobby as a ham radio operator. Though usually a quiet man, he always expressed how important education was, evident by his master’s degree, and leaves a legacy of numerous upper level degrees held by his children and grandchildren for which he encouraged pursuit. A 50-plus year member of United Hebrew Temple in St. Louis, Dan was proud of his Jewish heritage and attended every family event, wedding, Bat/Bar mitzvah, and baby naming all over the country until late 2016. Dan told stories about working in the theater as a ticket taker at the Muny Opera, how his house was open for Jewish actors/actresses needing a seat for Passover seder, and would reminisce about family driving trips through national parks, spending time dipping toes in the waterfall at Forest Park, going to the top of the Arch, and sitting in the free seats during the summer at the Muny as the sun was setting. We remember his love of spaghetti with red sauce, percolator coffee (or instant coffee crystals), and orange sherbet.
Family graveside services with full military honors were held Dec. 22, 2016, in St. Louis.
Thank you to The Hallmark and Delmar Gardens for the care provided. Contributions in his memory may be made to the charity of the donor’s choice.