He was born November 26, 1941, in Uniontown, Pennsylvania, to parents Andrew and Marie (Fiffick) Kurta. Richard was a devout Catholic who was a former member of St. Michael’s Parish and current member of St. Joseph’s Parish in Mantua. Mr. Kurta retired from UPS after 30 years of employment as a driver.
Richard was a talented musician who played the saxophone, beginning at a young age with the Kurta Family Band, and then several other bands throughout his life. He also enjoyed classic cars, shooting his guns, and was a HAM Radio operator. Most of all, he cherished the time spent with his family, especially the family vacations to Myrtle Beach and the time spent boating at their home on Lake Milton.
On March 24, 1961, he married his beloved Ellen “Arlene” Pulice, and they moved to Cleveland to start their family. In addition to Arlene, Richard is survived by his children: Tim (Justina) Kurta and Richelle (Frank) Scopilliti, his grandchildren: Andrew (Amanda) Kurta, Rhea (Teb) Jagger, Maria Suprenant, Olivia Suprenant, Stephanie (John) Giel, Chris Phillips, Zach Phillips, Gabe Phillips, Frank Scopilliti Jr, Nathan Scopilliti as well as his great-grandchildren: Kaelib, Dominica, and AJ. He is also survived by his sister Maxine (Robert) Yohman along with many adoring nieces and nephews.
Friends and family will be received Friday, April 9, 2021, from 2:00 – 4:00 PM and 6:00 – 8:00 PM at the Wood-Kortright-Borkoski Funeral Home, 703 E. Main St., Ravenna, OH 44266. Mass of Christian Burial is at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 11045 St. Joseph Blvd., Mantua, OH 44255, celebrated by Reverend Ed Stafford and Deacon Gerry Scopilliti on Saturday, April 10, 2021, at 11:00 AM. Entombment will follow at St. Mary Cemetery in Ravenna.
Condolences and memories may be shared at www.wood-kortright-borkoski.com.
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