John Charles Kurzdorfer
July 11, 1944 - December 16, 2024
John
C. Kurzdorfer, known as JC, grew up in Buffalo, New York, in a large
extended family that gave him a strong faith, outstanding character
and a zest for life that led him to excel in serving his nation as
an Air Force pilot.
JC's Air Force career began shortly after he graduated from high school
in 1962 when he enlisted in the Air Force. Initially trained as a
Bulgarian linguist, he soon entered the Air Force Academy Prep School
and in June 1964, joined the 1,016 young men of the Class of 1968
(We're great!)
JC's life at the Academy included leadership in intramurals, skirmishes
with the dean and the respect of his classmates for his many high
jinks. He had a special and memorable way with words as he called
out cadence while we marched up the ramp following a parade. But his
most notorious caper involved bringing his motorcycle up the elevator
and riding around the 17th Squadron area during Call to Quarters!
JC was also unique in our class for "enjoying" an extra
semester to polish the dean's apple, graduating in December 1968.
The Academy Board's decision to invest another semester in JC was
a testament to his recognized potential for selfless service.
After pilot training at Craig AFB, JC flew AC-119K Stinger gunships
over Vietnam and Laos, risky missions flying low and slow over enemy
positions in the jungle. After transitioning to B-52s, he returned
to the Southeast Asia theater for more combat action before being
medically retired.
JC led a quiet life as a civilian, depending on VA care and his family
for support. A high point in his life was when his daughter, Rhonda,
who had been given up for adoption at birth, contacted him and brought
him much joy during his remaining years.
In his final years, JC fought several chronic health conditions that
restricted his activity, and in the end, left him bedridden. But he
never gave up his dream of flying once again. Having "slipped
the surly bonds of Earth" and taken his celestial last flight,
JC is certainly now back in the cockpit and doing wheelies on his
motorcycle. Rest in peace, good friend and great patriot, as we all
remember your dazzling smile! (Classmates
and family)
The Air Force Academy Association of Graduates & Foundation have
recently learned of the death of Mr. John C. Kurzdorfer, CS-17, Class
of 1968. Mr. Kurzdorfer passed away on Dec. 16, 2024, in Buffalo,
New York. Visitation will be held from 3 until 6 pm on Dec. 19, 2024,
at the Paul A. Kloc Blossom Chapels, Inc., 4680 Clinton St., West
Seneca, New York. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 am
on December 20, 2024, at Our Lady of Peace RC Church, 10950 Main St.,
Clarence, New York. His family has suggested memorial donations be
made in lieu of flowers to WNYHeroes, Inc. Condolences may be left
online with his obituary.
Obituary
Cherished son of the late Boniface and late Dorothy (nee Lambert)
Kurzdorfer; father of Rhonda Nelson; beloved brother of Margie Caltagirone,
Catherine Kurzdorfer Thorman, and predeceased by 6 other brothers
and sisters; also survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
Family present for visitation, Thursday, December 19, from 3-6 pm
at the PAUL A. KLOC BLOSSOM CHAPELS, INC., 4680 Clinton St. (cor.
Borden Rd.), West Seneca. Mass of Christian Burial, Friday, December
20, 11 am, at Our Lady of Peace RC Church, 10950 Main St., Clarence.
Please assemble at church. Flowers gratefully declined. Memorials
may be made to WNYHeros Inc., 1001 E. Delavan Ave., Buffalo, NY 14215.
John was a proud Air Force veteran, serving during the Vietnam Era.
Share online condolences at www.howefuneralhome.com.
