Alvin R. Kurtz

1939 - 2023

Alvin R. Kurtz 1939 - 2023 Holyoke Alvin Robert Kurtz, age 83, of Holyoke, passed away at his home on Tuesday, February 28, 2023. Born in Holyoke, he was son of the late John and Dorothy (Guth) Kurtz, and was raised and educated in Chicopee. He was a veteran of the United State Marine Corps. Alvin was a manager at Dual Manufacturing Company until retirement, and then worked as an independent contractor for The Springfield Republican and The Wherehouse. He was a member of the Chicopee Moose Family Center Moose Legion and the Tigers Athletic Club, and was a former den leader with the Boy Scouts of America. Al enjoyed hunting and fishing with his father and brothers and attending Game Nights with them, as well as camping and traveling. He was a master mixologist; he bartended at various establishments and parties over the years. He had an extensive music collection, especially enjoying big band and early Jazz. Al was a fun-loving jokester who liked to make people laugh and feel comfortable. He had a contagious smile and a kind and generous heart, and was a man of integrity and great character. Alvin was the widower of Sheila Guenette Kurtz, who predeceased him on January 24, 2020. He is survived by four daughters: Pattie Bylicki, Dariel Giroux, Judy Keith, and Chrissy Kurtz; two sons: William Brown and Johnathan Kurtz; three sisters-in-law, Diane (Simard) Kurtz of Ludlow, Barbara Guenette of Newport News, VA, and Betty Atwell of Ware; a brother-in-law, Terry Atwell (Dot) of Texas; thirteen grandchildren; thirteen great-grandchildren, and four great-great-grandchildren. Besides his parents and his wife, Al was predeceased by a daughter, Susan Brown; three grandchildren: Kellie Laliberte, Trista Goulet, and David Brown; two brothers, Robert S. Kurtz and his wife Lorraine and Roy P. Kurtz; and a sister-in-law, Sharon Atwell. The funeral will be held on Tuesday, March 7th at 10:30 am from the Barry J. Farrell Funeral Home, 2049 Northampton Street, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 am at Blessed Sacrament Church, 1945 Northampton Street, and burial in Forestdale Cemetery, Cabot Street, all in Holyoke. Calling hours will be held at the funeral home on Tuesday morning from 9:00 to 10:30 am. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Shriners Children's Hospital, 516 Carew St., Springfield, MA 01104, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105, or to a charity of one's choice.