Jeffrey S. Kantor

DUNBARTON - Jeffrey S. Kantor, of Dunbarton since 1995, was born in New York City July 15, 1943, and died peacefully on July 29, 2015, after a courageous battle with prostate cancer, surrounded by his loving family. During his life, Jeff lived in the Bronx, N.Y., and Dumont, N.J., moving to New Hampshire in 1961 to attend New England College in Henniker. Midway through college, Jeff enlisted in the U.S. Army Security Agency, spending three years in Germany and was honorably discharged with the rank of Sergeant. He returned to New Hampshire to complete his college degree, forging lifelong friendships.After college, Jeff worked in Boston for a short time before returning to New Hampshire to start up an automobile recycling business in Manchester with his college roommate. In 1977 he became sole owner of Murray's Auto Parts and in 1979 purchased Simano Auto Salvage in Candia which later became Car World Used Auto Parts. He became active in the industry on a national basis, holding many leadership positions and heading up many committees. He was recently awarded the U.S. EPA Lifetime Achievement Award for 40 years of service, aligning government and industry. He worked passionately as the president of the New Hampshire Auto and Truck Recyclers Association for over 20 years.As a longtime member of the New Hampshire Prostate Cancer Coalition, he was instrumental in raising awareness and money for research and education. In acknowledgment of Jeff's dedicated efforts, a fund was established in his name, The Jeffrey S. Kantor Research Fund, at the Norris Cotton Cancer Center at Dartmouth, and $10,000 has already been donated.Jeff was instrumental in starting the Manchester East Soccer League and was the fundraising chairman, helping to build the fields and installing lighting. He coached the Central, West and Memorial ski teams as a volunteer when funding was suspended by the city.Jeff was an avid Patriots and Red Sox fan, enjoying "Patriots Sundays" with dear friends. His passions were skiing, boating and hiking with his wife, kids and grandchildren.He is survived by his beloved wife, Evelyn, of 28 years; three children, Crissy Kantor, Matthew Kantor and Debra Kantor Blahitka and husband Steven; and his only sister, Henni Kessler, and her husband, John, of Palm Beach, Fla. His six grandchildren include Sawyer Phaneuf, Dante Brown, Myles and Madison Kantor, Maikayla Desjardins and Maive Blahitka.Jeff will be fondly remembered for his eagerness to "micro manage" anyone and everyone, his profound kindness and generosity, endless energy, constant optimism and sense of humor. His business skills were both stellar and cavalier and his good natured personality was a treasured asset. His generosity and eagerness to help everyone touched many. It was a privilege to have had him as a husband, father and friend.

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SERVICES: Calling hours will be Tuesday, Aug. 4, from 4 to 7 p.m., at Phaneuf Funeral Home, 243 Hanover St., Manchester, NH 03104. A celebration of life will be Wednesday, Aug. 5, at 11:30 a.m., at the Executive Court Banquet Facilities, 1199 South Mammoth Road, Manchester, NH 03109.The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the New Hampshire Prostate Cancer Coalition at nhprostatecancer.org, or to Chill Cares Inc. at chillcares.org.To share a memory or offer a condolence, please visit www.phaneuf.net.