Joseph L. Kurtzer

Joseph L. Kurtzer, "Papa" to almost everyone he knew, a pillar of the Sharon community and a beacon of devotion to his family, passed away peacefully on March 28, 2025, in Milford, MA, at the age of 85. Born in Boston, MA, on June 18, 1939, to the late Leonard and Susan (Desimone) Kurtzer, Joe's life was marked by unwavering faith a tireless work ethic, and a steadfast commitment to his family.
Joe's life journey began as the beloved son "Joey" of Len and Sue and grew to encompass the roles of a loving husband, devoted father, caring brother, and doting grandfather and great-grandfather. He married the late Phyllis (O'Brien) with whom he spent 64 years of marriage until Phyllis's passing in 2022. Together, they built a family that would become Papa's biggest source of happiness: His daughter Karen Ricca and her husband John of Norton, his son Joseph Kurtzer Jr. and his wife Michele of Wrentham, and he bore the heartache of outliving both his son Michael Kurtzer and Michael's late wife Danielle, who he viewed as a second daughter. Joe's legacy of love lives on through his siblings, Mary Jackson and her husband Rod of Mansfield, JoAnn McNaught and her late husband Tom of Tewksbury, and he was preceded in death by his brother Ronald Kurtzer and survived by his sister-in-law Marie of Atlanta, GA. However, the true shining stars in Papa's life were his grandchildren with whom he shared a love of travel, music, sport and everything Disney: John and his wife Kathryn, Christopher, Abigail, Michael, Anthony, and Kathryn, along with his new great-grandchild Johnny, will forever cherish the memories and lessons he imparted.
After graduating from Boston Trade High School, Joe embarked on a career as a dedicated graphics printer at Lorell Press in Avon MA, where his meticulous craftsmanship and leadership were hallmarks of his professional life. He was talented in his craft.
A resident of Sharon from 1964 to 2023, Joe's community involvement was both deep and enduring. He was a faith-filled member of the Catholic Church, a member of the Knights of Columbus, council 2095, where he found fellowship and an avenue for his charitable endeavors. Despite the many challenges to his faith during his life, he relied on faith to overcome, and he was an active member of Our Lady of Sorrows Church in Sharon, serving and supporting the parish in innumerable ways.
Beyond the church doors, Joe's passion for mentorship and youth development shone through his many years of coaching youth sports. He not only coached but also organized the Sharon recreation basketball league, where his guidance helped shape the character and skills of countless young individuals. His efforts on the field and court were not just about the games; they were about instilling values such as teamwork, respect, and perseverance.
Joe's life was a testament to the power of community, faith, and family.
As we say farewell to Joe, we celebrate a life well-lived-a life full of love, faith, heartache brought by loss but overshadowed by many cherished memories. We take comfort in knowing that his legacy will live on through the beautiful family he raised, the friendships he nurtured, and the community he helped to build and strengthen.
Papa's life will be honored and remembered in a service that reflects the depth of his faith and the breadth of his impact on those around him. His final resting place will be alongside his beloved "Nana", where they will together watch over the family they so dearly loved.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend visiting hours, held at Dockray & Thomas Funeral Home, on Friday, April 4th from 4-7 p.m. Funeral services and burial will be private.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Kurtzer Family Charitable Foundation, 10 Fairbanks Dr, Wrentham MA 02093, a 501(c ) (3) charity that supports medical research for the cure of cancer and supports scholarships in secondary education.
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