Dorothy Elizabeth Kurtz

Dorothy E. Kurtz, 93, was born in Bronx, N.Y. in 1922. She moved to Bergen County, N.J. in 1952 and also held residence in Sarasota County, Fl. Dorothy died peacefully on September 12 at home with family by her side. Dorothy served as a SPAR, one of the first women to serve in the U.S. Coast Guard during W.W.II from 1943 to 1946. Passionate with her branch of service, she remained an active member of the Coast Guard Auxiliary until her passing. She served as Chaplain and Historian for the Dolphins Women’s Veterans Organization and volunteered 25 years with the Senior Friendship Center. She also volunteered with the Red Cross during times of tragedy in Florida. One of her many memorable accomplishments was the thrill of participating, through special invitation from the White House, in the commissioning of the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Stratton named for the Captain she served under. Dorothy was the beloved wife of the late Harold J. Kurtz and loving mother of her predeceased son, Richard. She leaves her daughters Catherine Van Langen, Patricia Kurtz, Teresa Hall, Betsy Conforti, Barbara Szymanski and son Edward. She is also survived by eleven grandchildren and twelve great grandchildren. Friends are invited to attend visiting hours on Sunday, Sept.18th from 4 to 6 PM at Farley Funeral Home located at 5900 S. Biscayne Drive in North Port. There will be a Mass of Christian Burial on Monday, Sept. 19th at 10 AM held at San Pedro Catholic Church 14380 Tamiami Trail in North Port. A graveside service with military honors will follow at Venice Memorial Gardens 1950 Center Road in Venice. Any donations can be sent to The Coast Guard Foundation, a charity held very closely to Dorothy’s heart. Visitation Information Date: Sunday, September 18, 2016 Time: 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm Farley Funeral Home - North Port Address: 5900 South Biscayne Drive, , North Port, FL, 34287 (941) 426-2880 | Map Service Information Date: Monday, September 19, 2016 Time: 10:00 am San Pedro Catholic Church Address: 14380 Tamiami Trail, , North Port, FL, 34287 | Map Cemetery Information Date: Monday, September 19, 2016 Venice Memorial Gardens Address: 1950 Center Road, , Venice, FL, 34292 (941) 493-4246 | Map