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John A. Kurzeja

1953 - 2019

John A. Kurzeja obituary, 1953-2019, Sarasota, FL

BORN

1953

DIED

2019

FUNERAL HOME

Toale Brothers Colonial Chapel - Sarasota

40 N. Orange Ave

Sarasota, Florida

John Kurzeja Obituary

Kurzeja, John A.
July 6, 1953 - May 4, 2019
John A. Kurzeja, age 65, of Sarasota Florida unexpectedly passed away at home in his sleep on May 4, 2019. He shared 41 years of marriage with his loving wife, Lois, who he met on his first day of school at the University of Florida. He is also survived by his cherished daughter Ali, of San Diego, CA, sister Cathie Hall (Wayne) of Pembroke Pines, FL, brother-in-law Bob Fielder (Janet) of Miami, FL and multiple nieces and nephews. John was born in Chicago IL to Muriel J. Connors and Stanley Kurzeja on July 6, 1953, but celebrated his first birthday in Miami, FL. He attended South Broward High School in Hollywood, FL class of 1971 and graduated from University of Florida in 1975 with a bachelor's degree in Physics. He worked for Schlumberger Well Services from 1975 until 1990 starting as an offshore field engineer in Louisiana, then was promoted to many management positions and ultimately became Manager of Compensation and Benefits for North America. He worked very hard, but also played hard and took time to host infamous Mardi Gras parties from his Uptown New Orleans home. After 18 years, he longed to return to the Sunshine state, and took an HR Director position at Riscorp in Sarasota. He then served as Senior VP of HR for the Epicurean Life Group which included Morton's Market, Fred's Restaurant and the Tasting Room. After the dissolution of Epicurean Life, he took a position with Powerwave Technologies in Santa Ana, CA until retiring in 2012. Those who worked with John often commented on his compassionate leadership and mentoring skills. He achieved multiple certifications and was part of several professional HR organizations. He also served as a board member for McClellan Park Neighborhood Association and was a founding member of the Sarasota Bay Parrot Head Club, serving a term as President.
He enjoyed jazz music, playing blues harmonica and spending time in the garden with his grandcat LeBron. John loved sharing comical stories and was never one to shy away from a good political debate. He recently completed the restoration of his vacation home in the Florida Keys (Ramrod) that was severely damaged by Hurricane Irma. He was looking forward to relaxing there and chasing bonefish in the flats.
Lois and Ali wish to acknowledge the tremendous outpouring of love and support that they have received from family and friends from across the country. They would particularly like to express their gratitude to John's closest friends, Phil Lindauer of Houston, TX and Mario Martinez of Sarasota who have stood by their sides in their moment of need.
A memorial service will be held at 2 PM Friday, May 10 at The Church of the Redeemer at 222 South Palm Avenue, Sarasota Florida, 34236. Toale Brothers Funeral Home, Colonial Chapel is in charge of arrangements.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Herald Tribune from May 7 to May 8, 2019.

Memories and Condolences
for John Kurzeja

Sponsored by Toale Brothers Colonial Chapel - Sarasota.

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jan straubinger

May 30, 2019

John and I were friends thru jr high and high school , everyone who knew him, liked him . Love you Brother

Susan Morgan

May 15, 2019

so sad to hear the news. John was my HR manager when I was a young field engineer. Later at SLB he became a mentor and friend. The world is a sadder place today

May 9, 2019

Remembering Jolly Mon and his smile and harmonica magic....met at Lemon Coast SBPH. Great Memories.
Heavy Hearted
Patrice and Woody

Diane Chanako Gil Turner

May 9, 2019

Dearest Lois and Ali, Gil and I are heartbroken for you at this time of John's passing. No matter how involved, dirty, gritty, grimy, he always had a moment to get up and out from underneath whatever! he was doing to say hello to us while Happy chased the neighborhood cats and barked at your dogs. Nicest man and neighbor, he will be missed by all and remembered always. Lois, my heart reaches out to yours and my prayers ask that God holds you and comforts you at this time and Ali, you had a great mentor in your Dad who obviously had a talent and I know you will love him forever. I know you will feel God's presence too. May God bring you, Lois, and you, Ali, even closer together as your friends encircle you and tell you stories you never knew. Our deepest condolences we send blended with love and peace for you both. Much Love Always, Diane and Gil

Eric and Patricia Schultz

May 9, 2019

This is heart breaking news. We first met John and Lois through the Parrot Head Club. We made life long friends through the club and consider John and Lois a part of those friends. Although we did not see each other often, when we did run into each other we always picked up where we left off. He will be missed. Eric and I send our love and sympathies to Lois and Ali.

May 8, 2019

Lois, I am very sorry to hear of your loss. Keeping you and your family
In my thoughts and prayers. Dolores Busillo

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Memorial Events
for John Kurzeja

May

10

Memorial service

2:00 p.m.

The Church of the Redeemer

222 South Palm Avenue, Sarasota, FL

Funeral services provided by:

Toale Brothers Colonial Chapel - Sarasota

40 N. Orange Ave, Sarasota, FL 34236

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