KURT JOHN LESKER III

KURT JOHN LESKER III obituary, Pittsburgh, PA

KURT JOHN LESKER III

KURT LESKER Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers from Oct. 28 to Oct. 30, 2015.
LESKER
KURT JOHN III
A man who truly loved every moment of life, was surrounded by his loving wife and children when he passed away on October 24, 2015. He died at the age of 66 after a courageous battle with rhabdomyosarcoma, a rare form of cancer. A Pittsburgh native, Kurt grew up in Whitehall and graduated from Baldwin High School in 1967. His yearbook has him listed as "handsome and popular"…that never changed. Kurt's relentless sense of adventure and joy of life was infectious to everyone he knew, and through them his SPIRIT will live on. Kurt III's father founded Kurt J. Lesker Company (KJLC), a science based technology and equipment business, in 1954. Kurt III left Rockwell International and joined the company in 1979 as President. Over the past 36 years Kurt's vision and leadership have been instrumental in expanding KJLC from a regional distributor into an international manufacturer. He opened offices throughout North America, Europe and Asia, which has been key in allowing the company to compete in a global marketplace. As a respected global business leader he was nominated for several entrepreneurship awards and served on a variety of boards. Kurt was extremely proud of his KJLC family for their role in enabling technology for a better world. Kurt received his BS in Industrial Engineering from Lehigh University in 1971 and MBA from the Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth College in 1976. He was a Lieutenant JG in the United States Navy and served on the USS Lowry from 1971-1974, during the Vietnam War. He was also an instrument rated pilot with over 2500 hours, a licensed scuba diver, avid mountaineer and skier, motorcycle enthusiast, and C-licensed soccer coach. Kurt was the beloved and cherished husband of Cindy Bland Lesker for 42 years; a loving father to Kristin (Joe) Eisel, Kurt IV (Laura) Lesker and Jenna (Nick) Lloyd; fun-loving Pap Pap to Monti, Giavanna, and Brooklyn Eisel; and The Dogfather of Moxie, Bogey, and Charlie; he was the son of the late Kurt, Jr. and Virginia Lesker; the brother of Mark (Bonnie) Lesker and Lisa (Michael) Bevenour; and son-in-law of Evelyn and the late Ray Bland; he is also survived by several nieces, nephews, cousins, and incredibly good friends. Visitation will be on Thursday, October 29, 2015, from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m., and Friday evening, October 30, 2015, from 5-8 p.m., at JOHN F.. SLATER FUNERAL HOME, 4201 Brownsville Rd., Pittsburgh, PA 15227. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, October 31, 2015, at 11 a.m. at Baldwin Community Methodist Church, 5001 Baptist Rd., Pittsburgh, PA 15236. In lieu of flowers, we ask you to support our friend, Dr. Kurt Weiss, in his Sarcoma cancer research efforts. Donations may be made payable to "University of Pittsburgh/sarcoma research" and sent to Attn: Kurt Weiss, Medical and Health Sciences Foundation, Forbes Tower, Suite 8084, 3600 Forbes Avenue at Meyran Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15213.

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October 22, 2023

Tony DiGirolamo posted to the memorial.

October 22, 2023

Scott Van Gorder posted to the memorial.

October 22, 2020

Tony DiGirolamo posted to the memorial.

Tony DiGirolamo

October 22, 2023

This legacy is a nice service to remind us of those who we knew that have passed on to happiness of eternal life. When it came up on my email I of course smiled and looked back at the other comments and pictures. He was a fun and very likable guy. My condolences to Cindy and the family on this anniversary. Tony DiGirolamo

Scott Van Gorder

October 22, 2023

First day Freshman year at Lehigh, had not yet met my roommate. There was this confident guy "working the crowd", shaking hands and making friends at the University Center. Turned out to be Kurt.

Tony DiGirolamo

October 22, 2020

Kurt and I worked together at Rockwell in Pittsburgh and Newark Ohio. He left Pittsburgh first and pulled me out to Newark later. When Kurt went back to Pittsburgh to work for his dad he wanted me to come back with him but I was too set on moving up the Rockwell ladder So we liked each other both professionally and personally. A couple years before Kurts death we reconnected over a few phone calls so I was surprised at what we all considered his dying young. My condolesences to you Cindy and your family. This site is perpetuating a memory of a truly good guy. Sorry he is no longer with us. Tony DiGirolamo

Scott Van Gorder

March 21, 2016

Mark Wolfe and I were Kurt's freshman room mates at Lehigh. Dravo D312. I think it's fair to say that Mark and I wished that we could be like Kurt. He was intelligent, polished, and sophisticated. He was a cool guy. Because my family lived only two hours north of Bethlehem, it was easy for us to visit my hometown Honesdale. Still teenagers, Kurt and I went hunting and canoeing together in Northeast Pennsylvania on weekend getaways from Lehigh. My parents and brothers loved him too. Simply stated, Kurt was fun to be with. God bless.

December 13, 2015

Dear Lesker Family; I am so sorry to hear about Kurt's passing. I never even knew he was ill. Cindy you are in our prayers.

Carol/Jim Richards
(Connie's Daugher and Son in Law)

Chris Cassano

November 18, 2015

I just heard today of Kurt's passing and am shocked! He was an awesome man and I am so sorry for the entire family for your loss!
He will be missed by so many!
I wish everyone in the family well in their journey to finding peace with your loss.

November 4, 2015

I have fond memories of my days at KJL and am grateful to Kurt Jr and Kurt III for giving me to opportunity to have a career in Vacuum Technology.

My condolences to all the KJL family.

Rest In Peace My Friend!

Glenn Buttermore

November 2, 2015

Kurt worked with me at Rockwell in Pittsburgh and brought me out to a Rockwell Automotive plant with him when we started our careers together. He was good at his work but more importantly he was a great guy, outgoing and fun. We kept in touch periodically over the years via the occasional email or phone call. Most recently I saw Kurt with Cindy Lesker who may remember me and the family. Great picture looking like all were living the life. So shocked to learn just a couple months later of his death. Chip Ganasi our mutual friend from the Rockwell days told me about this unfortunate event this morning. My condolences to Cindy, the kids and the rest of the family surviving Kurt and my prayers for his soul that he may join his maker in heaven this day.
Tony DiGirolamo

Chip Ganassi

October 30, 2015

Kurt was a mentor to a young group of interns at Rockwell International in the late 1970s. I was fortunate to be under his wing in Financial Planning and Presentations. His financial intellect along with his personal style was of the highest standard, and set the bar high for a few of us at an early age. I will forever remember his tutelage and wit!
I will pray for his soul and the souls of those family and friends he has left behind. Godspeed my friend!

October 30, 2015

Kurt was a good friend and business associate for over 30 years. He was one of the founders of Solohill Engineering, Inc. in 1984. As a Director he performed essential strategic planning for lo nearly 30 years.
Our closeness developed developed during planning retreats. As you must know Kurt was competitive whether golfing or fishing. He was a very good athlete.
Losing Kurt was like losing a brother and I miss him dearly.
Luv ya, Kurt,
Dave Solomon

Kurt in Russia fishing trip 2013

October 30, 2015

Kurt has been more of a brother than a cousin... a mentor at times, respected hero, but most importantly a loving and caring friend.

We shared some wonderful adventures together, and some wonderful non-adventures, just relaxing and enjoying life.

I am privileged to know you and love you Kurt. You will be missed in my life, and the lives of your many friends and family.

Bill Closs

A huge fan of life. You are missed.

Brian Jurczyk

October 30, 2015

Brian Jurczyk

October 30, 2015

Chuck Conn

October 29, 2015

Cindy our deepest condolences on the loss of Kurt..It was great playing soccer with him and his leadership kept the team playing well.

Max Styonavich

October 29, 2015

Since the 70's in Tx to the 90's in CO & PA, then the 2000's in NJ and now in AZ, Kurt has been a great support guy for me in the R&D world. All I can say it that it is way to early for us to lose a guy like that! I am sad,,,,,,,,,,and wish the best for the family and close friends

Dave Hixenbaugh

October 29, 2015

My heartfelt condolences to the Lesker family. Even while fighting his illness, he had recently took the time to sign a card with a personalized message congratulating me on one year with the company along with Kurt IV. I think that shows the integrity and character that he had and has instilled in his family.

Rich Beleski

October 29, 2015

My deepest condolences to the Lesker family.

David Ruzic

October 29, 2015

I've known Kurt for many years, and worked closely with his company. He's flown in to attend parties at our house, and we've seen football and baseball together. What I absolutely loved about him was his infections optimism and spirit. I still can't believe that he is gone. I already feel a profound sense of loss and I only saw him a few times a year. I can't imagine how hard this is for his family and his work family. My heart goes out to them all. He will be deeply missed for a very very long time.

Najib Suli

October 29, 2015

My deepest condolence to entire Lesker family on your great lost. Kurt III was a great gentleman and a wonderful person. We share in this time of grief but also share in the love and memories of Kurt III. I share with you guys picture taken at Putrajaya (Kuala Lumpur) during Kurt visit to Malaysia on year 2009. Wishing you peace to bring comfort, courage to face the days ahead and loving memories to forever hold in your heart.

>From Bumi Interactive (Malaysia) Family.

Jan Herb (Hunkele)

October 28, 2015

My thoughts and prayers are with you Cindy, your children and all
Family members... I worked with both of you at Lesker Co. I remember holiday parties and how Kurt and you were the hit on the dance floor! I'm sure Kurt is dancing above and is keeping a watchful eye on all of you. My deepest sympathy to all of you! God bless you all through this difficult time.

Hal weston

October 28, 2015

Dear Cindy and Family, so, so sorry to hear of Kurt's passing. You all are in our thoughts and prayers at this time. We had such fun when there were family get togethers. i have a picture in my mind of Kurt in the driveway, with you and Aunt Evie in one of his hats. Much love and Hugs being sent to you. Love you all, Hal and Sue

Rob and Jackie Mitlo

October 28, 2015

We miss you Dogfather!
Love,
Camp Mitlo - Rob, Jackie, Bella, Lou and Oscar (Woof)

October 28, 2015

Dear Cindy and family,
So sorry to hear about Kurts' passing. We had many great family reunions together. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Love Dale

Adventure Man!

Thom Ely

October 28, 2015

Dear Family, so sorry to hear this. I had a great time with Kurt on our Kamchatka fishing trip. He loved life and adventure.
Sincere Condolences, Thom Ely

Tim & Terri Solomon

October 28, 2015

Dear Cindy, Mark, Kurt IV, Jenna and Kristin

We just want you to know that we are truly sorry to hear about Kurt III's passing. He was a wonderful person and was cherished by everyone who knew him.

Kurt was truly a man who loved life and his positive spirit brightened every room he entered. It was a great honor to have worked with him for more than a decade as he was a wonderful friend and mentor throughout our business ventures at SoloHill Engineering.
Our sincere condolences

October 28, 2015

Dear Cindy and family, please accept my deepest condolences on the loss of Kurt. Although I didn't see him often, Kurt always impressed me as a joyful and dynamic person. He was my most enthusiastic dance partner at Liz's wedding. We all laughed a lot and that is how I will remember him. Wish you could have joined us then but know you had important commitments. You and all the family are in our thoughts and prayers.

With deepest sympathy, Dawn(Closs)Harris and Tom Harris

October 28, 2015

This is truly very sad news. My sincerest condolences go out to Cindy and the entire Lesker family. He surely touched my life in a positive way! He brought a smile to my face every time I interacted with him. I am grateful for his presence in my life.

Mark Szczypka, SoloHill Engineering

Dave Meyer

October 28, 2015

You have my prayers and sympathies.

Kurt was our Colt league manager back in the early 70s. Mark and I were on the team. One of my fondest memories from then was the one or maybe more games that we didn't have enough players to field a team. Kurt "looked" young enough, so he put on a uniform and played. Please don't let the league know or we might have to forfeit our wins. If we had any!

Mark and I went thru school together and we grew up in the same neighborhood, me on Girard and the Lesker's on Veman.

May God bless all of you who new Curt and the entire Lesker family.

Mary Jane Snyder

October 28, 2015

Dear Jenna, Nick & Family,
Sincere sympathies on your great loss. May our caring Christ bring comfort to you and all who mourn Kurt's passing.
First Presbyterian Church of Pittsburgh

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John F. Slater Funeral Home

4201 Brownsville Rd, Pittsburgh, PA 15227

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October 22, 2023

Tony DiGirolamo posted to the memorial.

October 22, 2023

Scott Van Gorder posted to the memorial.

October 22, 2020

Tony DiGirolamo posted to the memorial.