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Joseph Kurtz Obituary
Joseph M. Kurtz II, of Vanderbilt, passed away Monday morning, Feb. 24, 2020, at his home.
He was born Nov. 15, 1949, in Connellsville, a son of the late Joseph M. and Anna (Rankin) Kurtz.
He married Sheila (Baker) Kurtz on July 17, 1976.
Joe was a graduate of Connellsville Area High School, Class of 1967, and the Bowman Technical Institute. Joe was a mason with the King Solomon Lodge #346, served as a deacon and elder of the East Liberty Presbyterian Church, and was an active member and past president of the Connellsville Lions Club. He also had a passion for antique cars and was a member of the Antique Automobile Club of America and the Vintage Chevrolet Club of America. Joe served in the U.S. Army National Guard in the late 1960s, worked at Kurtz Jewelry in Connellsville, and retired from Crown Cork and Seal in 2010. Joe was known for the joy and laughter that he always spread to others. From his quirky jokes to his bright smile, he was able to light up a room and bring laughter to the air.
Joe will be sadly missed by his loving family: his wife of 43 years, Sheila (Baker) Kurtz; and his son, Justin Kurtz and his wife Kayla of Washington, D.C.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his stepmother, Ruth (Mulvihill) Kurtz; his grandparents, Albert and Etta (Black) Kurtz; and his in-laws, J.D. and Katherine (Martin) Baker.
Personalized arrangements are under the professional supervision of the Ralph E. Galley Funeral Home, 501 Railroad St., Dawson, 724- 529-2611, www.fergusonfunerals.com. Family and friends will be received from 2-8 p.m. Thursday in the funeral home chapel. Additional viewing will be held from 10-11 a.m. Friday, the hour of service, in East Liberty Presbyterian Church, Main Street, Vanderbilt, with Pastor David McElroy officiating.
Chapel committal service and interment will follow in Dickerson Run Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to Connellsville Lions Club, East Liberty Presbyterian Church, or Special Olympics.
The Connellsville Lions Club will hold a memorial service at 6 p.m. Thursday, and the King Solomon Lodge will conduct a memorial service at 7:45 p.m. Thursday, both in the funeral home.
Love lasts forever!
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Joseph Kurtz
Sponsored by Ralph E Galley Funeral Home.
Molly Huey
March 1, 2020
My condolences to you and your family. ❤
-Jeremy and Molly Huey.
Lorraine Bryner
February 27, 2020
A dear Vanderbilt resident who ALWAYS had a kind word and smile anytime you would meet ...be it the post office or on the street. Very kind to my girls, too as they were growing up.
Vanderbilt has lost a good guy. RIP.
February 27, 2020
You all have our sincere condolences. Clara and Donald Brougher
Julie Shaw
February 26, 2020
Sorry for your loss.
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Charlie Schifano
February 26, 2020
Dear Sheila and Family,
Connie and I send our deepest sympathy and prayers to you and your family. We only got to enjoy Joe for a show period of time. Condolences to you all.
Margie Adams
February 26, 2020
My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Joe you will be truly missed. R.I.P.
February 26, 2020
Sheila, my deepest sympathy to you n your son..Joe was a great guy always a smile on his face.. I remember him in school, friendly, caring, n glad we were friends. .Will be greatly missed..May the Lord give you the strength to get through every day. God bless
Tim Bowlin
February 26, 2020
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Nellie Evans
February 26, 2020
Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.
Serena Hough Taylor
February 26, 2020
My deepest sympathy Sheila and family. Sorry to read of Joe's passing.
Stacie Szczerba
February 26, 2020
Lifting you all up in my prayers. Joe was always so happy and full of laughter and love. It's a great loss, but heaven gained another beautiful soul this week. Prayers for everyone. <3
February 26, 2020
Sheila, Justin and Family,
So very sorry for your loss. Joe was always smiling wherever you saw him.
Cynthia & Bill Rath
Sandra Foreman
February 26, 2020
My heartfelt sympathy to Joe's family, friends and all who knew and loved him. Heaven has a new beautiful angel today. He will be missed by all May God hold you all close during this difficult time.
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