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Thank you for showing your support and concern during this difficult time. Please take a moment to share your own tribute to Walt by adding your memories and photos.
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Neptune Society of Northern California - Castro Valley
2419 Grove Way
Castro Valley,
CA
94546
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Memories & Candles
Previous
“My sincerest condolences to Rich and his family.
I called Walter for the very first time... for a "quick call" out-of-the-blue about the planned...Read More »
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1 of 11 | Posted by: Audrey Fischer - Chicago, IL
“I send my sincere condolences to Betsy and the rest of Walt's family. May he rest in peace.
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2 of 11 | Posted by: Sharon Maxon - San Ramon, CA
“Our condolences to Rich and Adel and family of Grandpap Kurtz and admiration for the wonderful tribute to someone we did not know, but with this...Read More »
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3 of 11 | Posted by: George & Camille Fischer - NY
“Our condolences to all of you and your families. Once again he and Dorothy will share their favorite song "It had to be you." Knowing Walt has been a...Read More »
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4 of 11 | Posted by: Gene/Fran Malinzak - Pico Rivera, CA
“You all have my prayers and sympathy during this time. Uncle Walter was a great man,always smiling and with an ornery twinkle in his eye. He always...Read More »
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5 of 11 | Posted by: Peggy Abbadini Menear - bobtown, PA
“I miss you Grandpa. I'm glad I got a chance to see you before you went to be with Grandma.I'm thankful that my kids got to know and love you the way...Read More »
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6 of 11 | Posted by: Josh Hosick - alameda, CA
“My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time. My you find strength and peace in knowing Uncle Walter lived a long and full life and he has...Read More »
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7 of 11 | Posted by: Gina Faulkinbury - niece
“Grandpa - Thanks for everything you have done for our family. I appreciate the great memories I have as a kid, spending the summer with you and...Read More »
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8 of 11 | Posted by: Jennifer Method - Medford, OR
“I miss you already Dad. The last 10 years have been really special for me, getting you know you better and better. I will never forget the wonderful...Read More »
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9 of 11 | Posted by: Betsy Hosick - Castro Valley, CA
“Words could never express either the love I have for my Grandfather, or the love he gave to me. I'm so fortunate to have had so much time with him -...Read More »
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10 of 11 | Posted by: Patti Prouty - Chino Hills, CA
“I love you, Grandpap. We are really going to miss your smile and stories.
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11 of 11 | Posted by: David Occhino - Grandson
Walter J. Kurtz, Jr. January 6, 1923 - December 30, 2009
Walt's achievements were many: he broke the record for the most tons of coal dug in one day in his younger days as a coal miner in Pennsylvania, served in three wars, received his officer commission during the Korean Conflict and retired as a Lieutenant Coronel after 27 distinguished years in the United States Army.
If Walt were asked, he would state that his greatest accomplishment was the legacy of unconditional love he left to his children, grand-children, great grand-children and extended family. A truly giving man, he was generous to all he met while never expecting anything in return.
Countless memories are his gifts to our family; memories that will forever provide joy and inspiration:
The jumping mouse hankie.
The chess lessons to one and all.
Playing Santa Claus on Christmas Eve.
Laughing at his own silliness.
Stories of the Big Nickel, how the Monongahela River got its name or babysitting his sister Mary.
Attending the important events of his family.
Singing Korean love songs and the Paratrooper Song.
Words cannot do justice to the love, caring and pride Walt had for his family. We were all his source of pride as well as bragging rights. Were he able to speak to us today he’d tell us - with a twinkle in his eye - to not be sad but to think of him on a new adventure: working to bring better luck to the Pittsburg Pirates while once again holding his beloved Dorothy’s hand and smiling.
