Robert E Kurz

Robert E. Kurz (Bob), 99, long-time resident of Palmetto, Florida, widower of Louise J. Kurz, passed away in his sleep of age-related causes on Sunday, January 27, 2019 at Westminster Point Pleasant in Bradenton. Bob was born on June 25, 1919 in Jamaica, NY son of the late Robert Emil Kurz, Jr. and Daisy Raynor McInish. He grew up in Freeport, NY and graduated from Freeport High School. After high school he attended the University of Miami, University of South Carolina and Hofstra College while pursuing a degree in Business. When World War II began he enlisted in the U. S. Navy and soon rose to the rank of Lieutenant. He again served during the Korean War before leaving the Navy to pursue a career in business where he became an entrepreneur in both the marine industry and fiberglass and plastics field where he was long-time owner of Kristal Kraft, Inc. and Club Kit, Inc. located in Palmetto. Bob developed a love of boating at an early age and was involved in building boats as well as being a major distributor for Penn Yan Boats and Century Boats on Long Island, NY. Over his lifetime he personally owned many boats and loved to spend time on the water fishing with friends and family. He also enjoyed participating in fishing tournaments having regularly participated in the Hawaiian International Billfish Tournament until he turned 80. Bob also loved horses. As a young man he owned horses and even rode some of them in polo matches. Bob was very active in the Bradenton Yacht Club and is a past Commodore. He was a long serving Chairman of the PGA Merchandise Show Scholarship Committee and active in various Marine Trade Associations. He co-founded the Around Long Island Marathon to provide more exposure to the recreational boating industry on Long Island, NY. Bob is survived by two sons Robert R. Kurz (Sally) of Laquna Niguel, CA and Kerry W. Kurz (Sharon) and daughter Barbara A. Keen (Dale) both of Palmetto, FL. He is predeceased in death by his sister, Marion K. Stolz. Bob is also survived by numerous step-children, nieces, cousins, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great, great grandchildren. Friends and family may call at Groover Funeral Home at Mansion Memorial Park, 1400 36th Avenue East, Ellenton on Saturday, February 2, 2019 from 1 pm until the Memorial Service at 2 pm. Private burial services will be held at a later date in Yadkinville, NC where he will be laid to rest next to his beloved wife, Louise. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to First Baptist Church of Terra Ceia- Mission Fund, P.O. Box 100, Terra Ceia, FL 34250 or the International Game Fish Association (IGFA), 300 Gulf Stream Way, Dania Beach, FL 33004. A memorial message may be written to the family by visiting the Dignity website at www.Groover-Funeral-Home.com.