Barry James Hurtz

Barry James Hurtz, 85, went home to be with our heavenly Father on March 15, 2026. Barry was born in Paterson, NJ on June 6, 1940. He spent his formative years nearby, making lifelong friends and meeting the love of his life, Betty. They married in 1971, and in 1974, they relocated to Florida and have called Jacksonville home ever since.

Barry was a proud graduate of The University of Notre Dame. After graduation, he joined his father in the family business of home building, which included a brief stint into the family’s venture of a high-end steakhouse. Feeling the need to branch out on his own, upon his arrival in Florida, he went back to his roots in custom home building, eventually transitioning to commercial real estate brokerage prior to retirement.

He lived life to its fullest. He loved to entertain and throw a good party. He had an enormous heart and a witty sense of humor. He loved to travel and in his last years shared his love with his entire family with two epic vacations that will be cherished forever. He loved watching Hallmark Christmas movies and all sports but especially loved watching his grandchildren compete. He was considered a fixture/good luck charm for his grandson Hogan’s recent run to the state Final Four in basketball. In his younger days, he loved playing golf and further enjoyed a proper scotch afterwards.

“Pop Pop” will be remembered for his deep love of his family and the church. He was a devoted servant to God and was an active member of many parishes throughout his time in Jacksonville. He, along with his wife Betty, devoted their lives to reaching heaven and it brings great comfort knowing that they will be there together smiling down upon their beloved family.

Barry is predeceased by his loving wife of 50 years, Betty, his parents John and Julia and his sisters Joan Hebert and Kathleen Shay.

He is survived by his daughter, Corrie Labyak (Danny) of Jacksonville, Florida; his son, John Hurtz (Jaime) of Indianapolis, Indiana; and grandchildren Nicholas, Camdyn, Hogan, Jenna and Jaegar.

A funeral mass will be held in Barry’s honor at 12:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 19, 2026, at Blessed Trinity Catholic Church, located at 10472 Beach Blvd., Jacksonville, FL 32246. Visitation with the family will be held one hour prior to the mass. He will be laid to rest at the Catholic cemetery of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, located at 11757 Old St. Augustine Road, Jacksonville, FL 32258.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Community Hospice of Northeast Florida. Barry’s wife, Betty, was one of the volunteer nurses in the field when the program first started, and Betty and Barry were blessed with their services in their final days.

R.I.P. Barry James Hurtz.