Katz, Herbert N.
Cranston
Herbert N. Katz, 86, of Cranston, Rhode Island, passed on April 1,2026. Rhode Island born, Herbie was the son of Beatrice (Klemer) Katz and Jacob Katz. He was the devoted husband of Deborah (Gurwitz) Katz for 57 years, and loving father of Matthew J. Katz and Jonathan A. Katz. He was the loving brother of Joel Gurwitz. He was the loving brother of Fredda Levitt and her husband Dr. Richard Levitt. He was the loving uncle of Julie Levitt, Nancy (Levitt) Davis, Scott Davis, and loving grand uncle of Spencer, Joshua, and Bradley Davis. Herbie had a very close family relationship with his cousin Joyce Nelson and her family. Herbie leaves many dear, close friends, some like family to him.
Herbie was known for his beautiful, contagious smile, optimistic nature, quick wit, lover of facts, lover of “old” music- knowing most of the words to much of the “Oldies But Goodies” music, and many of the old radio ads of the past. He had a beautiful, velvety singing voice, and enjoyed participating, with Debbi, in a chorus. Herbie’s love of music can be seen in son Matthew’s ongoing love of, and participating in, music, including its technical aspect, since his youth. Herbie’s enjoyment of food can be seen in son Jon’s weekend developing business of specialty barbecue sauces, enjoyed by many people, including Herbie, who has been seen, in the middle of the night, snacking on that sauce, straight, by tipping the bottle into spoonfuls.
Herbie was a people person and had a wonderful “warmth” to him. Through the years, he was comfortable and happy to be in most social atmospheres, anywhere he and Debbi went. When sons were young, Herbie was an active supporter of both sons’ baseball teams: acting as coach for one of Matthew’s teams and participating with Jonathan in the trips of his Travel Baseball team.
Herbie’s academics and work experience include University of Rhode Island, Boston University and some URI graduate courses. From a young age, Herbie was involved in his family’s business, started by his father. Along with his mother, who ran the business from its office part, Herbie, in the manufacturing part, helped his father achieve his dream of a successful business in chemical manufacturing of detergents, soaps, etc., for many years. When that business was sold, Herbie had his own business in developing soaps etc., which he enjoyed.
Herbie’s greatest enjoyment was his family, friends, and singing “Oldies But Goodies” any old time. There are no words to express how much Herbie Katz will be missed by so many.
Funeral services at Temple Sinai, 30 Hagen Ave., Cranston, Rhode Island, Tuesday, April 7, 2026, at 11am. In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be made to a charity of your choice. Shiva will be held at his late residence, 22 Blue Bonnet Road, Cranston, RI 02920 on Tuesday, April 7, 3:00 – 7:00 p.m. with a Minyan at 4:00 p.m.. Additional visiting hours will be held on Wednesday, April 8, 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
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Shalom Memorial Chapel
1100 New London Ave
Cranston, RI 02920
(401) 463-7771
(877) 463-7771
Fax: (401) 463-7850
ShalomChapel@aol.com
Oh, what awful news. Our hearts go out to
Debbie and the boys.
May Hashem give you strength.
I will miss hearing his voice at services, as he sang in our temple’s choir. He was always happy and cheerful. We will miss him dearly at Temple Sinai!
So sorry to hear of Herbie’s passing. He was a good man. Our thoughts are with Debbie and the family.
Gene and Sandy Gasbarro
To the Katz family
I was saddened to hear about the passing of Herb. I always enjoyed our conversations at the Minyan breakfast.
Ellen Gourse
We were best friends throughout our four years at Classical High School, and back door neighbors in Cranston for many years. Rest in peace my friend.
Herb was a good old fashioned wonderful guy. He was sincere. He was warm and caring. A joy to speak with. Herb usually had an engaging story told with a grin. God bless Debbie and the boys with strength at this time.
Debbie, I was sad to learn of your loss. I only met Herb once at the JCC Reunion dance. He was very friendly and had a nice smile. I do remember him enjoying the “oldies” very much.
Sorry for your loss.
Esta (Rabinowitz) Avedisian
We were shocked and saddened to learn of Herbie’s passing. Herbie was the best of neighbors and Debi and Herbie the best of friends. Our sincere sympathy extends to Debi and the boys.
Herb was such a warm and friendly person. He was always so welcoming. We connected with Herb and Debbie almost 40 years ago, at Temple Sinai, when Andrew and Jonathan were little. I am so truly sorry for your loss.
I remember Herb from many years ago, calling on us at Taft-Pierce as an industrial controls representative. Fond memories of an affable, capable fellow.
I am so sorry to hear about Herb’s passing. He was a devoted member of Shireinu, the volunteer choir at Temple Sinai. He was always with a smile and showed sheer joy to be with everyone making music. The bass section will now have one empty chair. Thanks Herbie for the wonderful memories. It was a joy being your conductor. Zichronam Livracha – May his memory be a blessing and comfort to all who knew him.
Herbie was an amazing storyteller. His memory was sharp and he could tell you about conversations he’d had with someone years before. His Passover charoset was legendary and he never missed a sedar when I was young. He will be fondly remembered and missed.
All my love to Debbi, Matt, and Jonathan.
Debbie & Family,
Our sincere condolences to you. Don & I will always remember
his smiling face. His happiness was infectious.
May you find comfort with your memories.
Fondly
Anita & Don Kaufman
Boynton Beach , Fla.
I’m so very sorry to hear of Herbie’s death. I will always remember his mischievous sense of humor and pride in his family. Z”l–may his memory be a blessing, and may it comfort you in your grief.
Debbie. I’m very sorry to hear of Herbie’s death. I’ve known him since I was a teen and through my adult life. My very sincere condolences to you and your family.