Raymond J. Kurtz
Kurtz, Raymond J.
10/23/2025
Beloved husband of Margaret M. (nee Fest) Kurtz. Loving father of MaryAnn (Edward) Strickland, Richard (Jocelyn) Kurtz, Thomas (Denise) Kurtz, Susan Witka, Joseph (Margaret) Kurtz, Mark (Debbie) Kurtz and Paul Kurtz. Loving grandfather of 28 grandchildren, 48 great-grandchildren and 2 great-great-grandchildren. Pre-deceased by 3 brothers and 1 sister. Also survived by many nieces and nephews. Proud owner of Tops Market for many years with his 2 cherished brothers. A visitation will be held on Tuesday October 28, 2025 from 3-7 PM at The Dietrich Funeral Home Inc., 2480 Kensington Ave. Amherst, NY 14226. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday October 29, 2025 at 10: 30 AM at St. Gregory The Great Church, 200 St Gregory Ct. Williamsville, NY 1422. Please assemble at church. Memorials may be made to Father Baker Manor, 6400 Powers Rd, Orchard Park, NY 14127. Online condolences may be placed at www.TheDietrichFuneralHome.com.
Sorry for your loss to all in the Family. Good memories when I went to Buffalo
Yoly
Uncle Raymond was, quite simply, one of the greats. I’ll always remember his unwavering enthusiasm for life. He taught me that it’s okay to be a little rebellious (sneak some sweets when no one is looking), as long as you have a good story to tell afterward. He was the kind of great-uncle who truly earned the ‘great’ part of his title. He will be so deeply missed
I loved you so much. Wished I had the chance to see you more often.
I have so many good memories of those two summers I spent in Buffalo plus all your trips to see “abuela and abuelo”.
A big hug to Aunt Margaret!
To: Aunt Margaret, Mary Ann , Dickie, Susie, Tommy, Joey, Mark, Paul & respective families.
My heart goes out to you. You’re in my thoughts and prayers. I pray God gives you all the strength to get through this big loss. Uncle Ray was a great uncle, I know we all have such great memories of the summers we spent in Buffalo with all of you, he was so special, always made me smile since he always had a big smile. I will miss him alot, I know it has been a long time since I’ve been to visit but I still remember every moment of those summers. Thinking of you during these difficult times. I know it’s very hard when you have been so close but I know those great memories with him are something you’ll think of every day and will help you get through. Mom passed away 16 years ago and the memories of the moments I spent with her come to me everyday, my passed away 9 years ago and the memories I have of the time I spent with him are with me everyday too. I can tell you I still miss them both very much. I, like you, was very, very close to them both. I was so lucky to have them for my parents and so were you to have Uncle Raymond for your dad. To me he was a great uncle, a great human being; to my mother he was a great brother (her baby brother), she enjoyed every moment they got to spend together, she only thought of the next time they would be together; and to my father he was more than his brother in law he was his brother. He will always be in my heart. Take care. Love you all. You are all in my heart.
Arlene
My Uncle Ray was the kindest, sweetest, most amazing person. His smile and warmth filled your heart. I was so privileged to not only have him for my uncle, but also my godfather. Sending all my prayers and love to Aunt Margaret and all my cousins. I wish more than anything I could be with you all. I know my Dad is hugging him and smiling on us all. 🥰
Dear family of Ray, I send my sincere condolences. Ray was my first boss at the Tops on Kensington and Main in Amherst in the 60s. He was the sweetest “teacher” to a bunch of 16 tear old kids taking on their first responsibilities. You all were blessed to have him in your lives. May he rest in peace.
Condolences to the many family members and especially to Margaret for your loss. Ray hired me fifty five years ago. I am forever thankful. This was my first job after my army tour. Working at Kurtz Tops helped me start raising a family and grow in the food business. Ray was a kind and caring boss. In my life there are a handful of people that I feel grateful that I have known. Raymond Kurtz is one of them. God Bless you Ray.
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Our heartfelt condolences to all. You are all in our thoughts and prayers. Love and peace..
Katie and Tom Hazlett
Grandpa, I haven’t wanted to leave a message yet because I don’t want this to be real. I’ve known it’s been coming, but for some reason I thought we would have a little longer. You are the best man I have ever known. You have shown all of our family what true love really is. No matter how you felt, you always put on a happy face for us. Even if you didn’t remember you always had grandma to tell you and she would tell you again again because she just loved you more than anyone could ever love so one else. You made a great family for all of us to grow up into. We do all love each other so much. Even though we may not see each other enough, each time we do, it seems like yesterday. Thank you for everything you have ever done for us. We will all miss you entirely too much. We promise to all get along and stay together. I will try to make sure of it for you because I know that’s what you and Grandma would want. Always getting together with family has been one of the most important things for you both and I would love that more than anything to keep the tradition going. Thank you for giving me the best Mom I could ever ask for. Please give my Charlie all my love for me and lots of cookies. Lewis will always remember you and Mikey will always carry your name. I love you Grandpa. I just keep hearing “Hi sweetie”. Xoxo. I love you always and forever.