Tom E. Kurtz
Thomas “Tom” E. Kurtz, 75, of Union, KY passed away Monday, September 4, 2023 at St. Elizabeth Hospital in Edgewood, KY surrounded by his loving family. He was born August 17, 1948 in Pittsburgh, PA and grew up in New Philadelphia, OH. Tom proudly served his country as a member of the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War as a supply officer aboard the USS Intrepid.
An active Catholic, Tom served his church throughout his life as lecter, Eucharistic minister, and usher. Most recently, he was a parishioner of St. Timothy Church in Union.
Tom attended Kent State University on a baseball scholarship. A lifelong sports fan, he enthusiastically followed FC Cincinnati and the Cincinnati Reds. He traveled the world, particularly enjoying cruises with his wife. Together they spent many nights on the dance floor. He was always up for a round of cards. He enjoyed bird watching, stocks, golf, and a good Hallmark movie. Tom had a keen sense of humor, delighting in making people laugh. His favorite hobby, though, was attending his grandchildren’s events and cheering them on. He was their biggest fan.
Tom was preceded in death by his parents, Harold and Margaret Kurtz; and his brother, Daniel Kurtz. He is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Marianne Kurtz; his beloved children, Michael (Gina) Kurtz, Tracey Kurtz, and Kristen (Maurice) Robiglio; and his cherished grandchildren, Morgan, Alex and Maggie Kurtz; and Katherine and Samuel Robiglio.
A memorial visitation will be held Sunday, September 10, 2023 from 5:00 pm until 7:00 pm at Linnemann Funeral Home, 1940 Burlington Pike, Burlington, KY 41005. Memorial Mass will be held Monday, September 11, 2023 at 10:00 am at St. Timothy Church, 10272 US-42, Union, KY 41091. Tom will be laid to rest following Mass at Kentucky Veterans Cemetery North, 205 Eibeck Lane, Williamstown, KY 41097.
Memorial contributions can be made to the Tom Kurtz Memorial Bench Fund in lieu of flowers.
Linnemann Funeral Homes Burlington 1940 Burlington Pike
BURLINGTON, KY 41005
St. Timothy Church – Union, KY 10272 US 42
Union, KY 41091
Phone: (859) 384-1100
Kentucky Veterans Cemetery North
Address: 205 Eibeck Lane WILLIAMSTOWN, KY 41097Tom E. Kurtz
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Tom Kurtz was my buddy
To Mrs Tom Kurtz and family: I didn’t learn of Tom’s passing until a few days ago. My name is Francis Johnson – everyone calls me Fritz – and we were good buddies for about 10 years. We got to know each other a bit while playing against each other in New Philly’s Little League baseball – Tom could really bring it – his fastball was pure fire! And he was a really good bat – usually hit clean-up. Actually, he was a super good all-around all sports player. I think he went to try-outs for both the Indians and Pirates. In our early-mid teens we hung out a lot, talked baseball and sports a lot, and played jass at the home of Danny and Mary Zuchegno many summer evenings. Their daughter and brother were friends, and Tom and I and another buddy would go there to play cards and eat spaghetti and pizza and other goodies that Mrs. Zuchegno – she was such a great cook – would fix for us. —– I remember one time when we had been watching a game together on The Hill – where all Little League games were played – and he asked for a ride home – I had my bike and said sure – he got on the handle bars and we started down the hill – it was kind of steep – and at the bottom, instead of going straight, I tried a left turn and we crashed. Tom tore about a 6 inch strip of skin off one of his arms and I had rips and bruises all over my hands and arms. He told me I had been yelling like a banshee going down the hill and I told him I heard him too! The crazy things you remember – both of us had some nicks and scars, but we survived to watch more baseball together and play more cards and sports games. I have nothing but good memories of Tom in those long ago days. We were good buddies for that stretch of time, but things happen like wars and college and finding our lifetime soul mates – and you just live and the months and years pass by. But like the narrator says in the movie “Stand By Me”: “I never had any friends later on like the ones I had when I was twelve.” Please accept my deepest belated condolences on Tom’s passing. He was my friend and a good guy.
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