Harold Gellert

June 30, 1922 – December 26, 2019

Harold “Hal” Gellert, 97, passed away peacefully at home in Teaneck, NJ, on Thursday, December 26, 2019. Before moving to Teaneck in 2017, Hal and his beloved wife Kathleen “Kay” Gellert (nee Steiner) lived in the Township of Washington for over 60 years.

He is survived by his loving wife and partner-in-crime of 76 years, Kay Gellert of Teaneck. Three children: son Daniel Gellert (and wife Deborah Posey) of Aiken, SC; daughter Sandy Roff (and husband Terry Roff) of New Orleans, LA; and daughter Susan Gellert of Englewood, NJ. Six grandchildren: Jonah, Matthew, and Rayna Gellert, Jesse and Brian Roff, and Jayde Gellert Beronio. Two great-grandchildren, Florence and Duncan Roff; Nephew Jeffrey Gellert, and Nieces Wendy Waldman and Jillian Sandrock.

In addition, Hal is fondly remembered by a large network of extended family and dear friends from around the globe who were embraced as family.

Hal is preceded in death by his parents, Leah and Irving, his brother Alvin, brother-in-law Fred Steiner, and son-in-law Peter Beronio.

Hal was born in the Bronx. He attended PS 11 and DeWitt-Clinton High School. He began his college studies at NYU, studying for a career in motion pictures and television. While at NYU, he met and courted Kay (with the help of Adele, his future mother-in-law, as the story goes). He enlisted in the Army in the fall of 1942, training for the Signal Corps. Hal and Kay were married on September 9, 1943. Only a few days later, he was shipped off to Europe to serve for over 2 years in the war effort in England and France. Hal’s assignment was to oversee and edit all of the motion picture coverage taken in London and Paris; a very stressful position that was central to the success of the war effort. He provided technical support to over 350 cameramen stationed on the front lines. He earned the Bronze Service Star for his valiant efforts. While he did not see active combat with his own eyes, he was perhaps the only soldier who saw every second of film that documented the devastation in the European Theater from October, 1943 to December, 1945.

Hal was deeply affected by his experience in WW II. It wasn’t until late in his life that he began to open up and explore the trauma that he carried from his time in England and France. His courage and vulnerability in sharing his stories were inspiring and humbling to all his loved ones with whom he shared.

Upon his return to the USA in early 1946, Hal and Kay truly began their married life together. They started a family, and in 1955, shortly after baby #3 arrived, they took the big leap to leave Manhattan and build a home in the Township of Washington – on a lot that was said to be a “wooded swamp”, but it was what the young veteran and his family could just barely afford. That home and the lovely gardens that were created by Hal and Kay out of that wooded swamp became the site of countless joyful gatherings over the next 60-plus years. It was in that home that Hal pursued his love of woodworking. His basement workshop was a magical place, where many beautiful projects were conceived and executed. Hal took great pride in that Woodfield Road home, and it showed.

Shortly after his return from the Service, Hal began his long and very successful career at CBS Television, where he worked until his retirement in 1988. He rose through the ranks from cameraman, to film editor, to management, finally overseeing the videotape library for the entire network. He was known as a very fair, honest, and compassionate manager. He remained connected with many of his CBS colleagues long past his retirement.

Hal relished being alive! He was deeply inquisitive and intelligent, with boundless curiosity about the world- but particularly about other human beings. He had what seemed to be an insatiable desire to understand the ways that people exist and express themselves the world over. Hal and Kay spent their retirement traveling adventurously through several continents, collecting dear friends and amazing experiences along the way.

Hal had a frighteningly keen memory, especially when it came to past experiences of travel and food. A true epicure, he would passionately share his honest opinions about everything he tasted (sometimes to the dismay of the waiter or chef!).

Hal was a great, if at times unstoppable, talker – he expressed himself with eloquence and accuracy. Some might even refer to him as the grammar police – he never hesitated to tell you if your tense or syntax was not just right. But he also used his deep resonant voice to push against prejudice and racism wherever he encountered it. His moral compass was steady and he could argue his position on public issues as well as any TV pundit.

Hal was also an inveterate goofball, who loved to dance, drink, and make totally inappropriate jokes. He was known to embarrass his children and other family members on occasion with his off-beat sense of humor.

Hal’s 76-year union with Kay was the centerpiece of his life. Hal’s love for Kay and his family led to many unforgettable gatherings over the years – in New Jersey, New Orleans, Asheville, and upstate NY - at which several milestone birthdays and anniversaries were celebrated.

Hal remained strong and optimistic even as his health was declining. He was a hearty, spirited soul with a big heart. He will be sorely missed and very fondly remembered.

The family gratefully acknowledges the excellent care provided to Hal by the many caregivers who assisted him at home; especially Mirelis Gonzalez, Suzette Turner, and Christine Boakye-Yiadom; as well as the support provided by the staff of Compassionate Care Hospice.

In lieu of flowers, donations are encouraged in Hal’s name to the Southern Poverty Law Center: https://splcenter.org/. You may also honor Hal’s memory by savoring a bit of salty cured meat, or telling a long and corny joke to a group of loved ones.