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Larry Kurdek Obituary
News Death Notice
KURDEK, Larry Age 57, passed away on Thursday, June 11, 2009. He has been a faculty member of the Department of Psychology at Wright State University since 1976. He is preceded in death by several whom he cared deeply about. These include his mother, Lottie Kurdek; his sister, Klarissa Kurdek; his friends, Pat Schmitt, Gary McDaniel, and Paul Duffield; and his canine companions Zorba, Maggie, and Sophie. He is survived by his partner, Gene Siesky; his "oldest" sister, Karen (Gene) Rogala; his brother, Len Kurdek; his sister, Kathleen Kurdek; his canine companions Lilly and Gretta; and his neighbor / family member, Gladys Zink. He is also survived by a next-generation of family members whom he grew to love and appreciate as friends. These include his niece, Vicki (Mike) Welch; his nephew, Ed (Shelley) Regan; his nephew, Jeff Rogala; and his "step-son" Jeff (Georgeann) Seisky and their son Nathan. He is also survived by nephews, Greg Rogala, Mark Salvesen, Kurt Salvesen, and Eric Salvesen, great uncle to Megan, Jordan, Makenna, and Gianna. His family would like to extend its deep appreciation to Robert Raju, M.D., F.A.C.P. and Amy Eby, R.N., O.C.N. from the Greater Dayton Cancer Center as well as to Paul Conover, M.D. F.A.C.S. from the Miami Valley Colon and Rectal Surgeons Inc. and Stephen Rudich, M.D., Ph.D., F.A.C.S. from the University of Cincinnati Hospital. Gratitude is also expressed to Carla, Doris, Jamie, Paula, and Jen - the wonderful group of chemo nurses from the Greater Dayton Cancer Center. Family will receive friends from 4-8 pm Saturday June 13 and 1-5 pm Sunday, June 14 at Newcomer Funeral Home, 3380 Dayton-Xenia Rd. Services will follow at 5 pm on Sunday. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Larry Kurdek Memorial Scholarship Fund, Department of Psychology, Wright State University, Dayton, OH 45435.
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Kerth O'Brien
July 8, 2009
I am very sorry to learn this very sad news. To Gene and other family members, I am thinking of you.
Lynette Nickleberry
June 30, 2009
A renown scholar with the courage to challenge status quo. May my career be half as consequential.
Dave Kenny
June 30, 2009
Larry was a top rate scholar and on top of that he was a good guy. I am very saddened to hear of his passing. We will miss him. My condolences to his friends and family.
Bob Dell
June 30, 2009
Larry Kurdek was one of the most influential men in my life. I had him for three classes as a grad student at Wright State and we corresponded ever since. He encouraged me at every step and was an incredibly nurturing man who has helped me be a loving father to my own son. So accessible and easy going, one would have never known he was such a titan in his area of research
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Cindy Arnold
June 18, 2009
My sincerest sympathy to Gene. It was wonderful you had 32 years together. I hope all of the lovely memories will be a comfort to you.
Anne Stericker
June 18, 2009
Larry was a true and dear friend throughout my years at Wright State (1975-1985). Larry, Trish Honea-Fleming, Pat Schmitt and I enjoyed many a hilarious moment inside and outside the Psychology Department. Those memories bear me up in this time of sadness. Larry was a superb human being. Caring and comforting wishes to his wonderful partner Gene.
Marie Tisak
June 18, 2009
Larry was truly a loyal and loving friend. I will miss his calls and our sharing of birthdays.
cheryl seybold
June 15, 2009
Larry Kurdek was one of the best professors I had during my undergraduate work in 1976-1980. He was involved, caring and so quick witted. I remember his kidding around with another excellent professor Pat Schmitt. They are both such a loss to the field of education. As students, we loved Larry and appreciated his enthusiasm for learning. I am saddened by his loss. Cheryl Seybold, Xenia Ohio
Sheri Kleckner
June 15, 2009
I was a secretary in the PSY office and cannot tell you how much Larry's big smile and hello were welcomed every morning. He was always so positive and such a shining star. He will be missed so much.
Greg Hoertt
June 15, 2009
Dr. Kurdek had a profound impact on my life. He was always willing to help by providing support encouragement. He will always be mentor to me.
Joan Page
June 13, 2009
We will miss our wonderful friend. He made a positive difference in the life of our family in so many profound ways. We are tremendously saddened by his passing.
Linda Blatz
June 13, 2009
I am just one of many who will miss Larry so very much. I don't think he had a clue of the wonderful impact he had on my life and the many students, faculty, and staff at Wright State. Larry was a kind, caring, organized, and just a great human being. I thank God I was able to know Larry Kurdek.
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