Charles Clifton Kurtz (64) passed away on May 20, 2026 after a brief but brutal battle with ALS.

Charles was born on June 26 1961 to Robert C Kurtz & Marcia A Vogel in Pomona, CA. Despite being the son of two teachers, Charlie much preferred internal combustion engines to boring old school, and after graduating from Claremont High School, he pursued an associates degree in Aviation Engineering from Mt. San Antonio College. While at Mt. Sac, he was an award winning member of their competitive flight team. This love of flying would turn into a 30+ year career as a commercial airline pilot.

In 1982, Charlie met Beverly Neal at Farrell's Ice Cream Parlor in Montclair, CA and they were married November 1st, 1986. Two years later, they had a daughter, Elizabeth Kurtz, and then in 1991, moved from California to Connecticut where they'd spend the next 35 years of their lives.

Through the years, Charlie enjoyed working on his cars, playing golf with friends, and spending time with his family, among other various hobbies and often half-finished projects. In 2017, Charlie retired from the airlines and reveled in his hobbies during retirement: flying RC airplanes, driving his beloved Miata, cultivating cannabis & dabbling in computer science "stuff" that none of his family could figure out. He loved Adult Swim and would fall asleep with his glasses on watching Rick & Morty nightly. His happy place was next to his woodstove - playing Mario Kart or Zelda.

"Pops" was a handyman and former Boy Scout who could seemingly fix anything. He was a staunch constitutionalist and vocally anti-law enforcement. Best described as an atheist with Buddhist ideals, he showed kindness to all creatures, big or small, and (begrudgingly) loved all the rescue cats, dogs, and horses that his wife and daughter brought home.

Charlie was predeceased by his parents and quite a few beloved pets. He is survived by his wife of almost 40 years, his daughter Elizabeth & his three grandchildren, whom he dearly loved, Rose, Calvin & Oscar - who affectionately called him "Monkey", Pop Pop", and of course, Grandpa. He is also survived by his sister, Mary Crow, her husband, Sammy Jones, and niece Katie Crow, and nephew Robert Crow.

Charlie chose to be cremated, and traditional funeral services will not be held. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the ALS United CT, whose guidance and support were invaluable after his devastating diagnosis. Donations can be made via their website - www.ALSUnitedCT.org or via mail - 99 Hawley Lane, Suite 403, Stratford, CT 06614.

https://www.legacy.com/legacy/charles-kurtz