Richard F. Kurtz

Heaven welcomed Richard Kurtz, a devoted husband, father, and friend, on March 9, 2015. Richard was born in 1936 to Fred and Therese Kurtz in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania where he grew up with three older sisters, Ruth Kurtz, Eleanor Schumacher and the late Tessie Kligmann. He graduated from Olney High School. A veteran and a member of the American Legion, Rich enlisted in the Army during the Korean War to serve his country, but was not deployed as the war ended. Following his Army years, he attended University of Pennsylvania where he earned a degree in Electrical Engineering. Throughout his 40 year career, he worked in electrical engineering and telecommunications engineering with a variety of companies including Goodyear Aerospace, Univac, and Stromberg-Carlson/Siemens.

In 1965, he married the love of his life, Alvina Ross. He and Allie celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary just days before his passing. Over those years, they raised three children: Rich Kurtz of Ocoee, Florida, Lynne Kurtz Gianelos of Leesburg, Virginia and Tom Kurtz of St. Petersburg, Florida. Rich supported his children in all their pursuits and never missed the numerous extracurricular events in which his kids participated. Rich and Allie had the joy of welcoming five grandchildren into the family: Brian and Elisabeth Gianelos, Katy Kurtz, and Kyle and Kaley Kurtz. Rich was “Poppop” to his grandkids and thoroughly enjoyed playing trains, swimming, and attending sporting events and dance recitals as they grew up. He was a favorite Uncle to many nieces and nephews. Rich was active at church throughout his life and made passing his faith on to his children and grandchildren a priority. His friends enjoyed laughing with him over happy hour or on the golf course. As his health began to fail him, his gentle smile and easy manner continued even to his last days.

Funeral services will be held in Southampton, Pennsylvania at 10:00 A.M.on March 21, 2015 at W.M. Rowen Grant Funeral Home, 659 Street Rd.. Burial will follow in Sunset Memorial Park. A memorial service will be held at Immanuel Presbyterian Church on 811 Orange Camp Road, Deland, FL on Sunday, March 29 at 2 pm. with Rev. Mike Francis officiating. In lieu of flowers, his family suggests a donation to the American Diabetes Association or Immanuel Presbyterian Church of Deland.