Alfred J. Kurtz

Kurtz, Alfred J., age 76, of Galloway Township, died May 20, 2016. Al passed after a brave battle with cancer with his family by his side. Al was born in Atlantic City, NJ and was raised in “The Inlet” section of town. As a teenager, he worked on the fishing boats as a deck hand and learned the life of a fisherman. At age 14, he enlisted in the Army National Guard and was assigned to a field artillery unit. When he was 18, he enlisted in the United States Navy. Al was trained as an engineman and was stationed in Key West, Florida. After completing his enlistment to the Navy he returned home and in 1960 Al became a policer officer in Pleasantville. During this time period, Al met and married his wife Joan (Dougherty). In 1963 Al went to work for Atlantic City Transportation, becoming a teamster. He would go on to be a bus driver, mechanic, and freight driver.

Al started commercial fishing on the side, which lead to him operating a fish market on Starn’s Pier in Atlantic City. He would drive his truck route at night and fish during the days. His wife, Joan, worked nights for the phone company and ran the fish market in the day. Even their six kids worked at the market. Al then worked for Charter One warehouse and was quickly promoted to head-steward. He ultimately became a union business agent for the teamsters. Al then took on a second job as a commercial crabber with his son (Alfred). During the winter months Al and his son worked as guides for duck hunters (gunners). Al retired from the teamsters in 1993 but continued to work on the bay until 2003 when he was sidelined with knee replacement. His grandson (AJ) now carries on his tradition. Al spent his life as a fisherman, bayman and teamster. He cherished his family and touched the hearts of so many. He had a wonderful sense of humor and always had time for a joke and a smile. He will truly be missed.

Al is survived by his wife, Joan E. (Dougherty) Kurtz; his children, Patty (Joe) Lipshultz, Joan Kurtz, Alfred J. Kurtz III, Kathy Wilkinson, Eileen Kurtz and Juliette (Steve) Stokes; and his grandchildren, Loreal, Alfred J. IV (AJ), Eileen, Sarah, Joey, Courtney, Reed and Robert.

Visitation will be 6PM to 8PM Tuesday, May 24 at Parsels Funeral Home, 324 New Jersey Ave., Absecon. There will also be visitation from 9:45AM to 10:45AM Wednesday May 25 at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church, 591 New Jersey Ave., Absecon. A funeral mass will be offered at the church at 11AM. Burial will follow at Mount Calvary Cemetery, Pleasantville. For online condolences, please visit www.parselsfh.com.