Lester Gerald Karp

Born on November 27, 1929, in Boston, Massachusetts, Lester was a son of the late Harry and Dora Wolff Karp of Arlington, Massachusetts. He graduated from Arlington High School, Harvard College (Class of 1951) and Boston University Business School.

Lester was President of the Capitol Hardware Company on Winter Hill in Somerville, Massachusetts, for over 40 years, retiring in 1993. Lester also served as a radio officer in the Massachusetts National Guard from 1948 to 1958. He was a member of Temple Israel in Swampscott, Massachusetts for over 40 years, and later became a member of Temple Beth El in Charlotte. He was also a member of the Freemasons for over 50 years.

Lester exhibited unselfishness, loyalty and integrity in all aspects of his life. He will be especially remembered for his devotion to his family and friends, his great sense of humor, his passion for travel, and his love of the arts. Lester enjoyed duplicate bridge as a lifelong hobby, and became a Life Master after playing in tournaments across New England, and later in Charlotte.

Lester’s family includes his wife of 54 years, Leona Holzman Karp; a son, Andrew Charles and daughter-in-law, Susan Karp, and three grandchildren, Eliza Dora, Amy, and Harrison Karp, all of Charlotte; a brother, Ronald and sister-in-law, Ruth Karp of Sarasota, Florida; as well as his nephews and cousins.

A funeral will be held at Temple Beth El, 5101 Providence Road, Charlotte, at 10 a.m. on Sunday, July 14. Burial will be at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, July 15, at Temple Shirat Hayam Cemetery (formerly Temple Israel), 506 Lowell Street, Peabody, Massachusetts. Lester’s family will receive friends at his home in Charlotte at 7:00 p.m. on Monday, July 15, and Tuesday, July 16.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society.