Robert Kurz Obituary
Robert Anthony Kurz, Sr., 88, of Hermitage, passed away on Friday, February 6, 2026, in St. Paul Homes, Greenville.
Mr. Kurz was born on May 19, 1937, in St. Louis, MO, a son of the late Anthony and Josephine (Brush) Kurz. He was a 1955 graduate of Christian Brothers College, Military High School and earned his bachelor's degree in chemical engineering from Washington University, both in St. Louis.
Robert was employed at the former Sharon Transformer Division of Westinghouse Electric Corporation, where he obtained several patents and remained there until its closure. Westinghouse’s lab, was purchased by ABB, where he continued to work, before spending 25 years at Custom Materials in Chagrin Falls, OH.
Robert met his wife, the former Carolyn Dekanich, while working at Westinghouse. They married on May 22, 1965, sharing 60 years of marriage and many vacations together.
Robert was a member of St. Anthony’s Church, Sharon, where he served as a lector, assisted with the fish fry and bingo. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus.
He took great pride in his children’s education and looked forward to helping them with schoolwork, especially their science projects. Robert also enjoyed music, time with friends and going out to dinner.
He is survived by his wife at home; a daughter, Cherie Layshock and her husband, Don, of Hermitage; a son, Robert Kurz and his wife, Anna, Bowie, MD; seven grandchildren, Justin (Juan Ortiz) Layshock, Brittany (Cory) Riffe, Patrick (Emily) Layshock, Dr. Mikhaila (Chris Galantis) Layshock, and Sixten, Gustav and Ludvig Kurz; and five great-grandchildren, Sebastian, Ethan, Amelia, Victor and Olivia.
The family suggests memorial contributions be directed to St. Anthony’s Church, 804 Idaho St., Sharon, PA 16146.
Calling hours will be 4 to 7 p.m. Friday (02/13/2026) in J. Bradley McGonigle Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., 1090 East State St., Sharon. Online condolences may be sent ot the family at www.McGonigleFuneralHomeandCrematory.com
Mass of Christian Burial will be at 1 p.m. Saturday (02/14/2026) in St. Anthony’s Church, with Rev. Raymond Gramata, as celebrant.
Interment: Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Cemetery, Hermitage.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
1090 E State Street, Sharon, PA 16146
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