Jack Kasten
Jack Kasten passed away at NewBridge on the Charles in Dedham on August 16, 2023 in his 96th year.
Jack was born on December 17, 1927 to Sam and Nina Kasten in Harlem, NY. He graduated from Stuyvesant High School at the age of 16, matriculated at Michigan State University, and remained a Spartan fan to his dying day. He received his MPH from the University of Michigan and served in the Korean War as a health officer, beginning his distinguished career in hospital administration and public health. Jack served as Associate Director of the Beth Israel Hospital in Boston from 1965-1975 and led the healthcare consulting practice at Arthur D. Little for the next twenty-five years. Among his other contributions, Jack served as President of the American Public Health Association, was a commissioner on the Massachusetts Group Insurance Commission, and in retirement served on the Board of Directors of the HSC Foundation in Washington, D.C. Health care delivery systems changed radically during the course of his lifetime, but Jack’s leadership and wise counsel remained an anchor that generations of people working in the field relied upon and returned to, again and again.
Jack married Shirley Winograd in 1958, and they built their life and family together. Jack and Shirley loved to travel, and they also loved to entertain at their homes in Newton and on Lake Winnipesaukee. Jack waterskied until he turned 80, and when he was driving the boat, everyone learned to ski (like it or not).
Teaching was Jack’s passion. He served on the faculty of Harvard School of Public Health for decades. He loved meeting with students and young professionals, and especially loved giving them advice about their studies and careers.
The people Jack learned from, worked with, and mentored became his most cherished and loyal friends.
Jack is survived by his children, Nancy (David Stern), Steven (Susan), and Michael; and his grandchildren, Jacob Stern, Josh Kasten, Nina Stern, Sam Kasten, David Kasten, Maddie Kasten, and Lili Stern.
After Shirley, a nurse, died in 2009, Jack chose to honor her by creating and endowing a fund to perpetuate their shared commitment to improving health care through education and training of caregivers. In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made in memory of Jack Kasten M.P.H to Hebrew SeniorLife, Development Department, 1200 Centre Street, Boston, MA 02131 or via //hebrewseniorlife.org/TributeGift to support the Shirley Kasten Nursing Leadership Endowment Fund.
Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. on Sunday, August 20, 2023 at the Independent Pride of Boston Cemetery, 776 Baker Street, West Roxbury, MA.
Following the funeral the family will receive visitors at Great Meadow Hall, NewBridge on the Charles, 5000 Great Meadow Road. A minyan memorial service will be held at 5:30 p.m.