Kurt N. Spartz

10/25/1952 - 01/09/2026

Niantic - Kurt Nelson Spartz, 73, passed away peacefully Jan. 9, 2026, at Lawrence + Memorial Hospital in New London, with his wife, Gretchen, holding his hand as Frank Sinatra's music filled the air. Born Oct. 25, 1952, in Holmstead, Pa., Kurt was the son of M. Edward and Dorothy Schweinberg Spartz.

Kurt graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School in Jefferson Hills, Pa., in 1970. He briefly attended Indiana University of Pennsylvania, where he joined the (TKE) Tau Kappa Epsilon fraternity and described his majors as beer drinking and fun. He soon left IUP to join the U.S. Navy, serving for three years in Washington, D.C., with his first assignment in the U.S. Navy Ceremonial Guard.

Following his military service, Kurt completed his undergraduate education, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree from George Washington University in Washington, D.C.

Following his education, Kurt built a career in finance. He continued his lifelong commitment to learning by earning an MBA from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute through the Hartford Graduate Center. Kurt was an avid reader and he enjoyed television documentaries particularly those by Ken Burns.

Kurt possessed a truly adventurous spirit that led him to explore the world. Whether scuba diving tropical waters, bicycling through Nova Scotia, the U,S,, and Italy, skydiving or taking to the open road on his motorcycle, he embraced life with fearless enthusiasm. After meeting Gretchen, they continued to travel together, exploring destinations overseas and much of the United States -often on his Harley.

When illness slowed him down, Kurt and Gretchen found joy in simpler pleasures, such as dining at great restaurants and searching for the perfect pizza pie. Passionate about current events and politics, he remained actively engaged.

Kurt is survived by his beloved wife, Gretchen; his mother-in-law, Hilda Witt; his brother, M. Edward Spartz Jr., and sister-in-law, Karen; his niece, Allison Moore, and her children, Jacob and Lucas; his nephew, Brad Spartz (Jen), and their children, Sydney and Lainey; his first wife, Stacey Grenning; his cousin, Trudy Codelka; as well as many close friends. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Kurt's family would like to thank their dear friend Judy Mieszkalski for her loving care for Kurt at home; his dream home care team from Yale Health at Home: Rachel B., RN, Elizabeth S. R., OT and Ausberto P., PT; and aides, Melinda and Christine; the staff of Lawrence + Memorial Hospital for their compassionate care; and Hartford HealthCare Hospice nurse Catherine G., her guidance in his final hours made all the difference in his final comfort. The family would also like to thank Yale Palliative Hospice nurse Aimee E. and Chaplain Mark Porizsky, who also married Kurt and Gretchen years ago, for their care, friendship, and the peace and comfort they brought to Kurt's final months.

Those who knew Kurt will remember him as funny, caring, and adventurous, and above all else, deeply devoted to the people he loved. May his memory bring comfort to all who were fortunate enough to share in his remarkable journey. A Celebration of Kurt's Life is being planned for early summer and his wishes were to have his ashes spread in the ocean. Donations in Kurt's memory may be made to World Central Kitchen (donate.wck.org) or to the VA Connecticut Healthcare System, VACT Fisher House GPF 9015, 950 Campbell Avenue, West Haven, CT 06516.