Edward Charles Kurtz Sr.

Edward C. Kurtz, Sr. passed away on Saturday, August 11, 2012 at Chateau de Notre Dame nursing home from complications from kidney failure. He was 88. He was the son of the formerly deceased Henry and Albertine Fletcher Kurtz of Harahan, LA.

Born in New Orleans, Kurtz’s extensive professional career included real estate, construction, consulting and public service as Mayor Moon Landrieu’s Director of Safety of Permits from 1970-1978 where he oversaw the redevelopment of the New Orleans’ Poydras Street corridor including granting of permits for the Louisiana Superdome.

Kurtz was instrumental in various social and educational causes including service as the first President of Jesuit High School Parents Club, led the fundraising drive and served as lay director for the development of the Ave Maria Retreat House in Crown Pointe and served on the boards of the United Catholic Education Fund, the Multiple Sclerosis Society, Christian Brothers School, St. Michael’s Special School, and was active with the University of Notre Dame activities where two of his sons attended college and was a former close friend of former Notre Dame Coach Ara Paraseghian. He received the prestigious Pius X award from the Catholic Church for his charitable work in the New Orleans area in 1966.

Kurtz was active in professional associations such as the Young Men’s Business Club, the New Orleans Real Estate Board, the Home Builders Association of Greater New Orleans, and the New Orleans Railroad Terminal Board.

Kurtz graduated from Jesuit High School in 1941 and attended St Mary’s College where he was trained and served as a Navy pilot during World War II.

Survivors include his wife, Marilyn Azcona Kurtz, and four children, Edward C. Kurtz, Jr. of New Orleans, William Henry Kurtz (Shelly) of New Orleans, Debbie K. Prejeant (Wayne) of New Orleans, and Tommy J. Kurtz (Rachel) of Prairieville, LA; and four grandchildren, Christopher Kurtz, Justin Kurtz, Sarah Kurtz, and Dylan Kurtz.

Relatives and friends of the family are invited to attend a Funeral Mass in the Chapel of Jacob Schoen & Son Funeral Home, 3827 Canal St.; on Tuesday, August 14, 2011 at 11:00 am. Visitation will begin at 9:00 am until service time. Interment will follow at Hope Mausoleum.

In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that donations be made to Jesuit High School and the Second Harvesters Food Bank in his name.

Condolences may be expressed online at www.schoencanalstreet.com