Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Eric Hartglass Obituary
Aka Mister Bagel
PORTLAND -- Eric J. (Rick) Hartglass, 64, died on Aug. 30, 2010, at the Maine Medical Center after a brief illness.
He was the son of the late Albert and Beatrice Hartglass of Brooklyn, N.Y. Rick graduated from Midwood High School and Fashion Institute of Technology. He resided in Portland for the past 42 years with his beloved wife, Gail Zade Hartglass.
Rick started Mister Bagel in 1977 on Forest Avenue; this location was the first and original bagel shop in the state of Maine. Today there are 12 successful franchises that he was very proud of. He was a Big Brother and enjoyed his days with his 'little brother' Tyler.
Rick enjoyed music, fishing, tennis and golf. He also loved his friends and condo in Boca Raton, Fla. where he enjoyed golf and tennis. But most of all, Rick adored his family. His grandchildren were the loves of his life.
He is survived by his adoring wife, Gail; daughter, Jane Hartglass Baker; son-in-law, Joel Baker; grandchildren, Jeremy, Zoe and Isabella; sister, Karen Hartglass Riemer; brother-in-law, Ron Riemer, sisters-in-law, Barbara Zade and Harriet Krausman, brother-in-law, Gabe Krausman; and several nieces and nephews.
Services will be held on Wednesday, Sept. 1, at the Shaarey Tphiloh Synagogue, 76 Noyes St., Portland, at 10 a.m. Interment will be held at the Baker Street Cemetery, West Roxbury, Mass. Shiva will be observed at the home of Jane and Joel Baker, 118 Roaring Brook Rd., Portland, at a time to be announced.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Maine Children's Cancer.
Eric J. (Rick)
Hartglass
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Eric Hartglass
September 27, 2010
I worked for Rick duirng the spring and summer of 1983. He was a great guy who made the best bagels. My condolences to Gail and family.
Robyn Zisman Kashket
Scarsdale NY
Darrel Dennison and family
September 24, 2010
Gail, Jane, Joel, and family,
I was saddened to hear that Rick had passed. He was a great man with a huge heart and a maine buisness icon. He will be missed. His buisness provided me with a livelyhood for some great years. Your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Chris and Betty Allen
September 20, 2010
My husband and I are regulars at the Forest Ave Mr Bagel and we have decided to visit every Mr Bagel in Mr Hartglass' memory. What a difference once man can make. He left a great legacy even for those of us who only knew him through his work.
Rick at Center Field Making the Catch.
Joel Baker
September 12, 2010
Jan Waite
September 8, 2010
Gail and family,
I was so sorry to hear of your loss. I was lucky enough to be in the first crew to work at the Forest Av Mister Bagel when it first opened. Rick said I was the "token goyem". He had a wonderful spirit and was so much fun to work with. I remember him singing Barry Manilow songs while baking bagels at 6 A.M. I remember Jane as a little girl and you, Gail, talking about Mister Bagel being your first job. Now my son Wilson lives near Forest Av and is a regular customer of the shop. We are both thinking of you during this very sad time.
Andre Morgan
September 7, 2010
Gail & Family, Rick was my first boss and gave me my first job. He taught me about business and happiness; he was one of the greatest bosses a kid could ask for. I am so sorry for your loss, as I know it is a major one.
Melvin Maslansky
September 6, 2010
Gail and Family,
Eric and I were classmates and friends at PS 99 and Midwood High School in Brooklyn. To me, he always looked a bit like Buddy Holly back then. It must have been the glasses. I know he wanted to attend the reunion we had last June, and I was looking forward to seeing him again. The last email he sent me sounded so upbeat that this sad news came as a shock. May you find comfort and strength in each other, and may the grief you feel be eased by your memories of Eric's life and accomplishments.
Karen Mooney
September 5, 2010
Gail & family
I am so sorry to hear of Ricks' passing. I worked for him on Forest Ave back in the mid 80's ~ I was not a morning person, but he was just so much fun to be around you couldn't help but enjoy the morning! It was a pleasure working for him. After moving on ~ I would stop in for a Bagel and just to say hello ~ he always was so full of life and passed that on to everyone.
I am so sorry for your loss ~ he was a great man and touched so many lives along the way. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers as you travel this difficult journey.
My deepest sympathies.
brad bryce
September 4, 2010
i met rickey in bonita springs florida. what a great man and true person.my thoughts and prayers be with the family.
Brad Bryce
September 4, 2010
to the hartglass family...i'm so sorry to hear of ricks passing i will always remember him laughing whether it be in P.S. 99 or back in F.I.T..Barbara Fischer Harris
Beth & Jay Tansey
September 4, 2010
Gail,
I met Rick one morning when I walked into Mr. Bagel on Forrest Ave with my toddler in tow. I was wearing a Boca West t-shirt and he immediately came over and started asking questions. I remember playing tennis together in Boca, and last saw you both in your new house in Boca West as Jay and I went for our morning walk and just decided to stop by uninvited. I only remember upbeat and funny stories. You will be truly missed by all those whose lives you touched. Please accept our most sincere condolences.
September 4, 2010
Dear Hartglass family, I was so sorry to hear of Rick's passing. As you may recall, I knew him back in elementary and high school. Judy Winter Andrucki
September 4, 2010
Gail and Family: So so sorry to hear about wonderful Mr Bagel-husband,Mr Bagel owner,Dad and Grandad...Am in shcck at the news and send lots of healing energy to you..I have many many fond memories of the very 1st Jewsih Bagels in Portland..All because of Rick and you making it possible..My heart goes out to you dear Gail...Fondly,Penny Rich
beverly blitz-berger
September 3, 2010
to eric's family,
i am heartbroken, too, over eric's passing. to know him as a "kid" from PS 99 and Midwood HS, it's wonderful to know that he was such a happy family man and such a successful businessman but he will be missed by many. i hope you are all rallying around each other in this terribly hard time.
sue wallace
September 3, 2010
Dear Gail and Family
We are saddened to hear of Rick's death
We met so many years ago and remember his contagious laugh and deep love of his family.
Please accept our sincere condolences
Sue and Dave Wallace
Jess and Lynne Weinstein
September 3, 2010
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Hartglass family. We met Rick in Boca Raton several years ago, then became a Mr. Bagel customer here in Portland. Rick...happy, upbeat eager and friendly. May memories carry you through this sad time.
joe krausman
September 3, 2010
Gail, Jane and Joel,
I was very sorry to hear of Rick's passing. I very much enjoyed our visits in Boca Raton. Although Rick is not a "blood" relative. We are family. We are both uncles of Laura and Jeff and a great uncle of jack,and Harriet is a sister-in-law to both of us. My heart goes out to the whole family. May you be inscribed in the book of life for the new year.
Deb Kropp
September 2, 2010
Gail, Jane and Joel - I am so very sorry to hear of your loss. Rick was an amazing man, he was incredibly giving and generous to a fault. My fondest memory is of dog sitting for Rudy Nielsen and running in to Rick out behind 15 Clifford Street walking Chloe, newly groomed with little bows in her ears - the perfect team. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. I can't believe he is gone.
Carol Day
September 2, 2010
Gail, Jane and Joel,
I was so sorry to hear of Rick's passing. I will never forget him singing with the band.
He was a good man and will be missed.
Carol Day
John hall
September 2, 2010
Long time customer and I always looked forward to coming to the store to see Rick and Gail. I left Portland 16 yrs ago but always stopped in for the best bagels when I got back home. it was the first place I came to for breakfast for all the years you have been opened. I will miss his pleasant demeanor. My condolences
Dr. John Hall
Barb Maurais
September 2, 2010
Dear Gail and family,
My condolences to you all. At Red Sands, we couldn't wait for Mr Bagel and Gail stop by...Rick would come bounding in the back door... usually with a brown bag full of bagels for us to enjoy. His booming voice, the rubbing of his hands together in anticipation of a good meal, the comparing of our tans [yes, his was darker than mine], his taking a genuine interest in what we had been up to since he had last visited. Gail, I so looked forward to your family's visits to the restaurant and the conversations and laughter that always accompanied you all.
My thoughts and prayers are with you during this sad time.
Greg Hanson
September 1, 2010
Many remember Rick as Mr. Bagel, but I remember him as Mr. Town Taxi. He was a great boss. I miss his voice coming over the radio trying to find out where I was. I miss the tag football games and the tennis matches. I miss meeting up with him in the oddest places. We last connected at Valley Chinese take out. We talked for 20 minutes. That will be a good last memory. Rest easy old friend.
September 1, 2010
I grew up in the neighborhood every visit to our Mr Bagels was like seeing Normy entering cheers for a beer. Rick didn't know my name but talked to me like I was a close friend You heard him when you walked in telling a story so loud he always seemed to love everything. He seemed to have the happiness we all want. We feel your loss but smile.do it loudly I will remember my friend Rick and try to embrace the love of life he personified.
John Folsom
September 1, 2010
Dear Gail and family,
My mother-in-law called from Portland, ME to tell me the sad news.She lives not far from many Mr. Bagels and knew that I had met your husband playing golf.
A friend (Rob Arrowsmith) and myself played golf with your husband 2 years ago at Naples GC in Naples, ME.
My in-laws have a "camp" in the area and on vacation we decided to play our annual round.Rick joined us and we played 18 holes and just finished as a terrible thunderstorm arrived.
I wanted to write this note because Rick was sincere, genuine, and in the one round of golf to which we met him-just an outstanding guy! We played this past summer and reminisced about Rick.
From only knowing your husband for hours-we feel compelled to tell you that our thoughts and prayers are with you.
September 1, 2010
Dear Gail and Family:Our heartfelt sympathy to your family. May all your wonderful memories bring you comfort at this most trying time.Nancy Winner Sulkin and Barry Sulkin,Boynton Beach,fl
Bonnie Lewis
September 1, 2010
A fine and important life lost far too soon...our hearts are very heavy. Please accept most sincere condolences from your friends across the bridge on Sheehan Island. Rick will be missed, and you will all be in our prayers.
Carl & Daryll Kemp
September 1, 2010
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Vicki Zubritskaya
September 1, 2010
Gail and family, I cannot describe how sorry I am to hear of your loss. I will always remember Rick's kindness and great sence of humor. Please accept my deepest sympathies.
September 1, 2010
My dear Gail, Jane et al,
It cannot be said any better then Ecclesiastes 3:1-8
"To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven" even though we do not know what that is? A time to die. A time to lose. A time to weep, A time to mourn. Followed by a time to get. A time to laugh. A time to heal. All the while the ever presence of the time to love will hopefully bring you to a time of peace.
Ric will surely be sorely missed!
Blessings abound! Donna Schwartz
Rick Snyder
September 1, 2010
Rick will always be one of my best friends. He was a true brother to me. He was a generous, genuine, gregarious good guy. Rick, Gail and Jane made me a part of their family sharing their store, their home, their holidays and most importantly their love.
That’s one of the words I will always attach to his memory. He loved life, his business, his sports. He loved his friends unconditionally, he loved to sing and laugh and his unmistakable, out loud and outrageous laugh will stay with me forever. He loved his movies, his shtick, and loved to be funny (like a clown). But above and beyond all else, he was in love with his family.
We will miss our beloved friend, Rick Hartglass, the one and only Mr. Bagel. We know that the love he gave to all of us will never die. We will hold on to that love forever. We love you, Rick, and we always will.
Rick
Tom Tinsman
September 1, 2010
Gail,
I'm so sorry for your loss. Rick was fun to be around and I will always remember his great sense of humor and hard work ethic. What a great guy!
Tom
September 1, 2010
Gail I was so shock to see Rick's Obituarie in the newspaper I just don't know what to say he was too young My heart goes out to you and your family
sincerely Janice Ricker
Lori Marzilli Carrigan
September 1, 2010
Gail,
You and Rick were one of our first customers and regular patrons when Ron opened Ricetta's and we were always so happy to see you two walk through our doors. The both of you would light up the restaurant. My thoughts are with you.
mary harkins
September 1, 2010
Gail I am so sorry for your loss, although it has been many years since seeing Rick. I will never forget the kindness he showed me as a young girl, while at the first Mr. Bagel.. May he rest in peace.. God Bless you !!!
September 1, 2010
My condolences to the family. It was always nice to see his face in the store when buying bagels. He was always friendly and smiling. He will be missed
Jamie & Ira
September 1, 2010
Dear Gail, Jane and Family, It's 9:00 Chicago time. You're all in our hearts, thoughts and prayers. The Boca "campus" will never be the same. Ricky was one in a million and we adored our friendship...
Bill Huff Sr
September 1, 2010
Gail and family: We were soooo shocked to hear of Ricks passing. still can't believe it. Sandra worked for Rick and you at the falmouth store for a long long time and we remember the great times and parties at your house on the western prom. Ricks sense of humor and his kindness to all was exceptional and his humanity was unmatched. He always lifted peoples spirits wherever he was. He will be missed by all who knew him. Peace to you all in this time. Bill Huff Sr/ Sandra huff-tourtelotte.
Ruth Mazziotti
September 1, 2010
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
September 1, 2010
Mrs. Hartglass and family, our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. Rick will be sorely missed by many many people
Shelley & Julie
mr bagel mall
Cindy Taylor
September 1, 2010
Gail and Family, My thoughts and prayers are with you in this difficult time. Love, Cindy
Cousin Joyce (Zade) Lehrer and family
August 31, 2010
Gail and Jane,
Words can't describe how sorry I am to hear of Rick's passing. My condolences to you both. May you remember the good times you had with Rick.
Bernadette Wallace
August 31, 2010
Our deepest sympathies to the Hartglass Family.
John and Bernadette Wallace
Denise Zanga
August 31, 2010
Mrs. Hartglass and Jane,
I adore your family and my heart is broken for you all. No one talked more about their father than Jane. It was an honor to know him and see who Jane gets her amazing sense of humor from.
You are all in my prayers.
August 31, 2010
Gail, Jane and Joel,
Our hearts are with you. Rick was so well loved in the Portland community. We will miss him terribly. When I moved to Maine 31 years ago from New York, Mr. Bagel was the beacon that welcomed me. All our condolences.
Steve, Erica, Sam, Liz and Ava Koenigsberg
Dian Westfall
August 31, 2010
Gail and family,
We were saddened to hear of Rick's passing. My daughter, Jennifer's, first job was at Mr. Bagel and Rick was always very kind to her. I know that the absence of Rick will leave a large void for you and your family.
We wish you peace, Dian Dudley Westfall
August 31, 2010
Gail, Jane, And Joel,
So sorry for your loss. Rick was always very good to me. I learned a lot working for him and I've got a lot of fond memories from the bagel shop. Our condolences.
- Mikey O'Connor and Sarah Bernard
August 31, 2010
I was so sorry to hear about Rick, I used to work for MEDCU and often stopped by in uniform to get a bagel and every single time Rick would grab his throat and pretend to choke, even years after I stopped working for the ambulance. And I would ask if I got a discount if I saved his life, and then we would laugh and laugh. And that's what I will always remember about him, that great laugh and the wonderful friendship he offered to everyone. My heart goes out to your family! Liz D.
Alan Sidman
August 31, 2010
Gail,
I was saddened to hear of Rick's passing. My deepest sympathies to you and your family. May you always remember the good times that you shared together.
Will Leddy
August 31, 2010
Jane, Gail and family, I am at a loss for words. I am so sorry. Rick was a larger than life figure and I have many fond memories with you all.. Skiball, movies in the basement, Tennis, The Lake, Gails home cooked meals;-) All my love.
August 31, 2010
Dear Gail, Jane and Joel,
We are saddened beyond words to hear of Rick's passing. I have vivid memories of him singing "Satisfaction" with Tony's orchestra at Robyn's Bat Mitzvah and bringing down the house.
Know that we hold you close in our hearts and prayers at this most difficult time.
Judi and Arthur Slotsky
August 31, 2010
Gail and family, I am saddened to hear of Rick's passing. He was a pioneer in Portland and always had a kind word to say. He will be sorely missed. Thoughts and prayers are with you all. Lisa Wolf Palatsky
Peter & Michelle Gordon
August 31, 2010
Dear Gail, Jane and Joel,
We are so saddened to hear of Rick's passing. He always had a big smile and great sense of humor. We're certain that he is in heaven, enjoying non-stop Neil Diamond music!
August 31, 2010
Gail and family, I am so sorry for the passing of Rick. I will always remember how helpful, friendly and funny Rick was in each of my encounters and business dealies with him. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family . Rebecca Reilly
Michael Hugo
August 31, 2010
To the Zade/Hartglass/Krausman family. We share your sadness today as we mourn Rick. What an amazing guy he was, to develop not only such a fantastic business, but to be such a gentleman at all times. His dignity and his love for and by all he met runs very deep. As a lifelong friend of the Zades, this is such a sad moment to think that such wonderful and warm people are going through so much grief.
Rick, or as my kids will always refer to him, thhe "cool bialy dude," will be missed so deeply by so many of us at the lake. His laughter was infectious, and his love for his family was an example for all.
What a terrible month his has been for the entire Deep Cove community.
With much love,
Michael, Beverly, Carly, Mark and Matt Hugo
Stan and Joan Lourie
August 31, 2010
Gail, Joan and I are so sorry to hear of Rick's passing. He was a gem of a person and his memory will stay with us forever. May you find peace in knowing so many friends admired him greatly. Please extend our sympathies to the entire family.
Beth Everest-Dexter
August 31, 2010
To the Hartglass Family,
We are so sorry for your loss. Rick was a very giving and caring person. He was always good to my mom who worked for Rick. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
The Everest Family
August 31, 2010
To the Hartglass Family
We were saddened to hear of Rick's passing. We have such great memories of our times together 'back in the day'. I saw Rick last year, he was going to his grandchild's baseball game and he was so excited. He talked of his grand kids and how great they are. His love and enthusiasm will be greatly missed by all that knew him.
With love
Bonnie, Jason & Tim Nathanson
Bonnie Adler
August 31, 2010
Gail & Jane,
You're in my thoughts and hearts today and always. There is no one who could ever replace our Rick. Keep his memory alive within your hearts and know that he'll always be with you in spirit. All my love OXOXOX - Bonnie
Bea Brush
August 31, 2010
The loss of "Mr. Bagel" is truly sad. Portland and his family have lost a wonderful man. I remember going to the Forest Ave. store every Sunday morning with my partner, Michele. Rick was always there. He always seemed to remember each customer when they came in. He was a warm and friendly man. Always happy and full of life. Many mornings, Gail was there too. She also was very friendly with customers. Sitting down and chatting with them, just like Rick would do. My thoughts and much love go out to his wife, Gail and their daughter, Jane and her family at this time. Sincerely, Bea Brush and Michele Lane
August 31, 2010
So sorry for your loss. Emily is thinking of her friend Zoe at this time. All of our thoughts are with your family. The Paradise Family
Elliott Nathanson
August 31, 2010
Gail, Janie,
By deepest sympathies are with you. I am so sorry for your loss.
jeanette douglas
August 31, 2010
I didn't know Rick very well except by through his little brother Tyler. I know Tyler love him very much. He was soo helpful to Tyler. He will be missed very much. God be with you.
August 31, 2010
This was a shock to us . Deep Cove Rd lost a good neighbor. Norman & Reinette Walker
Susan Searway
August 31, 2010
Rick was my first boss, and to this date the most generous man I have ever met. He had a great passion for his work and his family and the best sense of humor ever..I remember him singing doo-wop songs at 630 in the morning and just being a happy person in general. He loved his family so much, and was really supportive of his employees. He was one of a kind.
Sue Searway-Young
August 31, 2010
It was with great sadness that we read of Rick's passing. May the happy memories you have give you strength at this time. Our love to all,
Harvey and Elinor Prawer
Showing 1 - 65 of 65 results
Make a Donation
in Eric Hartglass's name
Memorial Events
for Eric Hartglass
How to support Eric's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Eric Hartglass's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
