John Kurtz, 84, of Northampton, died Oct. 16, 2021, in Lehigh Valley Hospital-Muhlenberg. He was the husband of Erika (Kern) Kurtz for 59 years.

Born in Szentpeterfa, Hungary, he was a son of the late Mathias and Teresa (Kozarits) Kurcz.

He was a refugee who crossed into Austria soon after Nov. 4, 1956. He was a passenger on the USS General W.G. Haan and arrived in the Brooklyn Navy Yards, New York, Jan. 6, 1957.

He worked at Atlas Cement, Skrapits Concrete and retired from Lafarge Corporation in 1999.

He was a member of Queenship of Mary Catholic Church, Northampton, where he sang on the church’s choir for many years.

He was a member of the St. Peter and Paul Society.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by a son, John Jr.; three daughters, Erika Figura and her husband Gregory, Anita Iasiello and her husband Thomas and Linda Schlofer and her husband Michael; six grandchildren, Andrea, Alyssa, Kyle, Jared, Olivia and Mason; a great-granddaughter, Hayley; nieces; and nephews.

He was predeceased by two brothers, Louis and Imre; and a sister, Erza.

Contributions may be made to the church for the John Kurtz Memorial Fund to benefit the choir, 1324 Newport Ave., Northampton, 18067.

Arrangements were made by Reichel Funeral Home Inc., Northampton.