John C. Wurst

Dr. John Charles Wurst, a noted researcher and former associate director at the University of Dayton Research Institute, passed away on October 14 at Hospice of Butler-Warren County, surrounded by his family and Rose, his wife of more than 56 years. Wurst, 79, a Defiance, Ohio native, graduated from the University of Dayton in 1957 with a bachelor’s of science degree in mechanical engineer. He completed his master’s degree in 1968, and then graduated with a doctorate in ceramic engineering from the University of Illinois in 1971. He returned to the University of Dayton, working as a researcher, administrator and professor for more than 37 years. He retired as the associate director of the University of Dayton Research Institute in 1994, and continued to teach graduate courses until 1996. Wurst is preceded in death by his mother, Elizabeth Beard Wurst, and his father, Elmer Charles Wurst. He is survived by his brother, Elmer James (Barbara); sister, Mary Jo Carpenter (John); wife, Rose; sister-in-law, Barbara Gilmore; his daughters, Ann Marie (John), Catherine Elizabeth (Chris), and Mary Joan (John); and his grandchildren Cassidy Cobbs, Grace Cobbs, Cameron Hiltner, Emma Hiltner, Nathaniel Benedict, Jack Hiltner, and Sam Benedict. In particular, the family would like to acknowledge the loving and personal care provided by the staff at Quaker Heights Care Community and the professional staff at the Pulmonary Care Unit at Miami Valley Hospital. In addition, the family is grateful to the staff of Hospice of Butler-Warren County, whose loving attention during his last weeks was much appreciated. The family will receive visitors at Anderson Funeral Home, 40 North Main Street, Springboro, OH on Monday, October 19 from 5 to 8 p.m. A funeral mass will be held at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 115 South Main Street, Franklin, OH at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, October 20. Burial services at David’s Cemetery, 4600 Mad River Road, Kettering, OH will immediately follow the service. Following the burial, a gathering of friends and family will be held at the Presidential Banquet Center, 4548 Presidential Way, Dayton, OH. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Tri-State chapter of the American Parkinson Disease Association at parkinsonswellness.org.