Herbert L. Kamlet, a native Denverite, journalist and business executive, passed away Nov. 25, 2014, after a long illness in Pittsburgh, Pa. Rabbi Steven Foster officiated at the Nov. 30 service at Feldman Chapel. Interment followed at Emanuel Cemetery. Feldman Mortuary made the arrangements.
Herb was born May 24, 1929, in Denver to John and Bertha Kamlet. He attended Cheltenham, Lake Junior and North High School.
Herb met Denverite Ilene Permut at CU. They were married on Aug. 27, 1950, while they were still students.
In college, Herb was the sports editor of the university newspaper The Silver and Gold. His daily column Pressbox Parade was reprinted or quoted in the Boulder Daily Camera, Denver Post and Rocky Mountain News.
He belonged to Sigma Delta Chi professional advertising fraternity, Kappa Tau Alpha journalism scholarship fraternity and Phi Sigma Delta.
Herb graduated with a dual degree in editorial journalism and advertising.
After graduating CU, Herb and Ilene returned to Denver where he established himself as a journalist and writer, and also a successful business executive.
In 1951, he went to work for Ben Bezoff PR and advertising, writing press releases and radio commercials. He also covered Lakeside Amusement Park and wrote promo articles about the bands and orchestras that played there during the Big Band era.
He joined his father John, brother Stanley and uncle Sam Kamlet in founding New Fashion Cleaners. After he succeeded his father as head of the business, he won numerous national and international advertising awards.
Herb also served as president of the Denver Drycleaner Laundry Assn. and the Varsity International Conference of Cleaners. He was later executive vice president of Silver State Laundry and Cleaners.
In 1980, Herb established his own advertising and public relations firm. He retired in 1987 due to poor health.
Irene Kamlet passed away on Dec. 16, 1993.
Herb moved to Pittsburgh in 1994 to be closer to his son Mark, daughter Pam and their families.
He was a member of Columbine Lodge #147, Bnai Brith and Temple Emanuel.
Everyone he met in his 20 years in Pittsburgh said that he was sweet, unfailingly polite, and never missed an opportunity to refer to Colorado and the Rocky Mountains as G-ds country, the family said.
Herb Kamlet is survived by his children Mark (Charlee Mae), Richard (Mary) and Pam (Joel); brother Stanley (Louann) Kamlet; grandchildren Sarah, Matthew, Gillian, Ally, Becca and Zach; and great-grandson Logan.
Contributions may be made to the Charles Morris Nursing and Rehabilitation Center/Sivitz Hospice, 200 JHF Dr., Pittsburgh, PA 15217, or CUs School of Journalism.
Copyright © 2014 by the Intermountain Jewish News
