Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
FUNERAL HOME
Jonathan Kay Obituary
York - Jonathan "Kurt" Kay, 52, passed away Friday, May 3, 2019 at his home in York with family by his side. He battled pancreatic cancer for a year and a half.
He was born on July 11, 1966 in Latrobe to Agnes Kay and the late Richard "Dick" Kay.
He is survived by his mother and wife of 23 years, Karla, two children, Abby, 20, and Cameron, 18, and siblings Kathi, Craig, and Roger. Kurt was preceded in death by his father and sister, Cheryl Stawovy, who also battled cancer.
In partnership with brothers, Roger and Craig, he proudly owned Home Instead Senior Care in Mechanicsburg and Gettysburg and Hard Chrome Specialists. Also, in partnership with his brothers and J.R. Heaps, he owned South County Brewing Company in Fawn Grove.
He played football at Greater Latrobe Senior High School and California University of Pennsylvania. He also played in the Big 33 Football Classic as a running back. His brother, Roger, shared that he witnessed Kurt score four touchdowns in a single game in high school. He coached for Red Lion, York Catholic, and EYC. Kurt was a passionate fan of the Pittsburgh Steelers all his life.
He enjoyed golfing, bowling, motorcycling, and boat rides. Kurt loved to dance, sing, and play the drums. He loved to read, and his favorite book was To Kill A Mockingbird. Most importantly, he loved to make people smile and was known for his happy-go-lucky, optimistic personality and infectious belly laughs. Even in his final days, Kurt's clever wit remained intact.
A Celebration of Life service will be held at 10:30 am on Saturday, May 11, 2019 at Living Word Community Church, Main Auditorium, 2530 Cape Horn Rd., Red Lion.
Arrangements are under the care of the Hetrick-Bitner Funeral Home, Inc., 3125 Walnut Street Harrisburg, PA 17109.
To send condolences or to share memories with the family please go to BitnerCares.com.
In lieu of flowers, the family would like to honor Kurt's love for football by accepting donations for the Kurt Kay Football Scholarship Fund. Checks payable to CGA Law Firm noting Kurt Kay Football Scholarship Fund in the memo can be sent to the attention of Attorney Jeffrey Rehmeyer at 135 North George Street York, PA 17401.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Jonathan Kay
Sponsored by InYork.com.
Jill Marinchek
May 17, 2019
My deepest sympathy to Kurt's family. I grew up in Latrobe and his family lived on our street for many years. He played basketball and football with us all the time and he was like a part of the Shoemaker family. Even though I hadn't seen him for over 30 years, I still remember him so fondly.
May 13, 2019
My sincerest condolences to the family for the loss of your dear loved one. One day many will have the opportunity to live again. May the hope of everlasting life sustain and comfort you during this difficult time.-John 17:3
Ron and Cindy Ehrhart
May 13, 2019
We were both sad and shocked to hear of Kurt's passing. He was a great guy that we will remember fondly. We still recall the first time we met you 2 at Victor's. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. With our sympathy and God's Blessings.
Joe Pevarnik
May 11, 2019
Hello Kay Family Members:
Thoughts and prayers are with you all as you mourn the loss of Kurt peace be with you all.
Sincerely,
Joe (JC) & Judy Pevarnik, Woodbridge, VA
May 10, 2019
Karla and Family,
We are lifting your family and Kurt up in prayer. We'll never forget the fun that was had on a boat ride in St. Thomas. Kurt loved life and lived it to the fullest. May God provide you peace and healing in this time of profound sadness.
Mike & Carol Maguire
Fort Collins, CO
May 10, 2019
Sorry for your great loss, may God's loving kindness comfort and help you through this difficult time.
Ps. 51:17-JW
Michael Platts
May 9, 2019
Kurt was a really nice guy I worked for at Hard Chrome Specialist. My condolences to his family and brothers Craig & Roger. Rest in peace my friend..
Sharon Schaad & Family
May 9, 2019
Sending our love and prayers for the Kay Family. May light perpetual shine upon him and may God's love give you strength in the days ahead.
Edward Thomas
May 9, 2019
Agnes, we are so sorry for the loss of your son.
Marie (Chip) & Ed Thomas
The Villages, Florida
John C Green
May 9, 2019
I only met Kurt a handful of times. But I'm glad to have had that opportunity. Truly a great guy, that will be missed. My condolences to the entire Kay Family for this loss.
John C. Green
John C Green
May 9, 2019
My condolences to Kurt's family. I only met Kurt a hand full of times, and I'm glad to have had that opportunity.. Truly a Great guy!
John C. Green
Dave & Darla Byerly
May 8, 2019
Kurt was always that reliable fun person at every gathering. His memory will always be those most enjoyable times of life. Especially Steelers football games and the passion that defined Kurt and the way he lived life. He was a gift to all, Always laughing, always caring and always knowing that friendship and family was #1; He never stopped fighting and taught me that life never stops. Until we meet again dear fiend!
May 8, 2019
My heartfelt sympathy 2 all of you. I lost my husband to cancer. God Bless all of you.
Ted and Deb Thornton
May 8, 2019
Sincere sympathy and prayers to Karla and the family. May God be with you on this journey and may you feel His strength and comfort.
Kurt was loved by many and there are many fond memories for all.
Blessings to all of you.
Brent Hoffart
May 8, 2019
Thoughts and prayers to Karla and family. Kurt was a great guy to be around, always had a smile. Loved talking to him about the 'Claw'. He'll be missed.
May 8, 2019
May the God of all comfort strengthen the family during this time of deep sorrow. Those who pass on, God keeps in his memory because they are precious in his eyes. My sincerest condolences. (Psalms 116:15) ~JW
Lisa Kurcheski
May 8, 2019
No words can express how sad we feel for your loss. To know Kurt was to love him, many cry with you 3, but we all have years of laughter, silliness, and wonderful times.Thank You all for sharing your lives with us. We will always have a smile on our faces just thinking of him. Love Glenn and Lisa
We are ALWAYS here for each of You.
May 8, 2019
We are so sorry for your loss.
Bobbi and Fritz Reider
Ilse &Ron Yeskey
May 8, 2019
Agnes,
Ron and I extend our condolences to you and your family. You are in our prayers.
May 8, 2019
May God's loving kindness comfort you and help you through this sad and difficult time. Psalms 119:50,76
Jane Ness
May 7, 2019
Met Kurt 20 some years ago with his Gal Karla! He adored her! Wish I knew them better over the years! Wonderful couple . His Smile will burst in the Heavens for sure! God Bless you Kurt and God Bless you Karla and your beautiful Children.
Michael McDaniel
May 7, 2019
My condolences.
Showing 1 - 24 of 24 results
Make a Donation
in Jonathan Kay's name
Memorial Events
for Jonathan Kay
Funeral services provided by:
Hetrick-Bitner Funeral Home, Inc. - Harrisburg3125 Walnut Street, Harrisburg, PA 17109
How to support Jonathan's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Jonathan Kay's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
