Rev. W. Kurt Von Roeschlaub

The Rev. W. Kurt von Roeschlaub
November 13, 1938 – October 21, 2024
The Rev. W. Kurt von Roeschlaub of Whitehall, NY, and formerly of Port Washington, NY, died peacefully October 21, 2024, in hospice in Melville, NY, following a year-long battle with cancer.
Kurt was born on November 13, 1938, to Warren Kurt and Elsbeth Schweitzer von Roeschlaub in Garden City, NY. He attended St. Paul's School in Garden City and CW Post College of Long Island University. He left college to join his father's business which specialized in resurfacing, sealing, and waterproofing tunnel and bridge joints. After several years working on job sites throughout the northeast and making use of his experience, he started a company to manufacture the chemicals and sealants used on bridges and tunnels.
In 1961 Kurt married Priscilla Ann Frank of Syosset, moving to Port Washington in 1965. Slowly over the next few years they engaged with St. Stephen's Episcopal Church as parishioners, a relationship with the parish that grew and was rewarding for a half century. With two young children, Kurt and Priscilla in 1969 became involved in Marriage Encounter, a Jesuit movement espousing that marriage is a sacrament the couple lives every day. Through their participation, Marriage Encounter was introduced to the Episcopal Church in the United States.
Kurt's participation in the life of St. Stephen's really did not become active until 1972 when he was recruited to help with maintenance projects. From that point, his life's work became clear to him. By 1974 Kurt had acted on a calling to the ministry by completing his degree at Post and enrolling at the George Mercer Jr. Memorial School of Theology in Garden City. In 1977 he was ordained as a Deacon, began his ministry at St. Stephen's as a Curate, and that December was ordained to the priesthood. (In 1991 he was awarded a Master's degree in Sacred Theology from General Theological Seminary in New York City.)
When the rector of St. Stephen's retired for health reasons in 1978, the lay leadership conducted a broad search for a new rector. In spite of his lack of experience, Kurt was called to serve. Fr. Kurt was installed as Rector in 1980.
Under the shepherding of Fr. Kurt, St. Stephen's thrived for 30 years. His ministry to the Parish and his community was marked by untold kindnesses to those with whom he worked. His particular gift was supporting and enfranchising the people around him who worked with him to build a strong, caring community of faith.
During Fr. Kurt's tenure, St. Stephen's had a vibrant music program and a vital Sunday School (led by Priscilla). The Parish promoted God's Work around the world and in Port Washington, including: providing women in Uganda with micro-loans; resettling displaced Vietnamese refugees; aiding the reawakening of the Orthodox Church in Russia; contributing to the local food pantry; and supporting the Compass Rose Society of the Anglican Communion.
Fr. Kurt retired from St. Stephen's in 2010 and in 2016 was appointed Rector Emeritus. In retirement he continued to be active in the Episcopal Diocese of Long Island, being elected to the Standing Committee which acts as a council of advice to the bishop. He also served as Priest-in-Charge at St James of Jerusalem Episcopal Church in Long Beach, NY, and filled in as a supply priest. He even officiated at a wedding two months before his death.
Kurt is survived by Priscilla, his wife and partner of sixty-three years; his son, Kurt von Roeschlaub, Jr. and his wife, Diana Banfield von Roeschlaub (Port Washington); his daughter, Rachel von Roeschlaub Maniatis and her husband Tom (New York, NY); and his sister, Gail Trunz (Port Washington). His four beloved grandchildren, Eric, Avery, Tori (Ray) von Roeschlaub, and Kyra Maniatis and many nieces and nephews will miss him greatly.
Father Kurt is survived by the generations of children he baptized, couples he joined in Holy Matrimony, and the numerous souls with whom he shared the love of Jesus Christ.