Joseph C. Kurker

Joseph "Joe" grew up during the Great Depression.  When he was a young man, he worked various jobs including selling and delivering magazines and newspapers, shining shoes, and working in a supermarket.  He excelled in numerous sports at Dorchester High, in Dorchester recreation leagues, and at Northeastern University.  After high school, Joe was a machinist, and then attended Northeastern to become a Mechanical Engineer.  He enjoyed ethnic music and dancing. Joe was a devout member of the Church of St. John of Damascus and an active member of the Masons. Soon after graduating college, he met the love of his life, Helen Gabriel, and they married in 1953.  They raised their 3 children in Arlington, who gave them 8 grandchildren.  Joe was a brilliant Aerospace Engineer until the Apollo space program was cancelled.  He then earned a Master’s degree in Engineering Management and reinvented himself by going back to school to learn about Facility Management, in which he worked until his retirement in 1988 from the Army Natick Research Laboratory.  Over his career, he tutored and mentored numerous engineering students and junior engineers.  Joe and Helen took their family on many memorable summer vacations.  They then purchased a home in Yarmouth, MA where they spent wonderful times with their family.  Helen passed away in 2014 and Joe greatly missed her ever since.  He was then blessed with two great-grandchildren, who brought him new joy.  Joe will be greatly missed; he touched the lives of many.

Joe was the loving father of Joseph Kurker and his wife Katherine of Billerica, Lillian Cronin and her husband Dr. Jon Cronin of Milton, and Robert Kurker and his wife Bertina of Winchester. Cherished grandfather “Jido” of Stephen Cronin and his wife Jennifer, Joseph Cronin and his wife Morgan, Brian Cronin, Matthew Kurker and his wife Danielle, Evan and Mitchell Kurker, and Victoria and Kristina Kurker. Beloved great-grandfather of Audrey and Jon Cronin. Dear brother of Mary Abdelahad of West Roxbury and the late Charles and Edward Kurker. Dear brother-in-law of Laurice Kurker of Arlington. Also survived by several loving nieces and nephews.

The family would like to express their gratitude to the staff and nurses of All Care Hospice for the compassionate care Joseph received.

Joe's Funeral Service will be held Wednesday November 22, 2017 at 10 a.m. at the Church of St. John of Damascus, 300 West St., Dedham. Visiting hours in the Church Tuesday 4-8 pm. Relatives and friends respectfully invited to attend. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Joseph’s memory may be made to the Church or to All Care Hospice, 210 Market St., Lynn, MA 01901.

Joe will be laid to rest at Fairview Cemetery in Hyde Park.

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