Neil R. Kurz
OBITUARY
Neil R. Kurz, 88, of Lebanon, formerly of Reading, passed away peacefully and on his
birthday, April 29, 2026. Born in Pennsburg, PA, he was the son of the late Charles and
Fern (Renninger) Kurz. He was married to Barbara (Roland) Kurz until her passing in
2015.
Neil was a 1956 graduate of Upper Perkiomen High School and played the trumpet in
the band. He later enrolled in Kutztown State Teacher’s College where he obtained a
bachelor’s degree in geography and mathematics. In 1960, Neil applied for a teaching
position for 8th grade at Governor Mifflin School District where he then remained for 38
years. In those years he assisted with running the clock for wrestling events and the
scoreboard for girls’ and boys’ basketball. He also helped coach the 8th and 9th grade
boys’ basketball until his retirement in June 1999.
Neil was a kind and generous man and will be sorely missed by all who knew and loved
him.
Neil is survived by 3 children: Mary Ripkin (Steve), Jody Junior (Steven), and Perry Kurz
(Janine); 3 stepsons: Barry Eshelman (Lisa), Vincent Eshelman II, and Michael
Eshelman (Lori); 6 grandchildren, 5 step grandchildren, and 4 step great-grandchildren.
Services will be private. In lieu of flowers, please consider memorial contributions in
Neil’s name to Second Chance Strays via Venmo @SecondChanceStrays24 or
CashApp at $SecondChanceStrays24, or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital,
stjude.org.
To leave an online condolence, visit SnyderBeanFuneralHome.com.