John Ronald Kurpjuweit's Obituary
John Ronald Kurpjuweit passed away unexpectedly after a brief illness on Tuesday, April 1, 2025. He was born in Waynesburg, PA on Jan 22, 1945, to the late Ronald W Kurpjuweit and Mary Alice Bell Kurpjuweit.
John graduated from California State College (now known as Pennsylvania Western University) and earned a master’s degree from John’s Hopkins University. He spent most of his time in the Annapolis, MD area with careers in Public Education, Government and Politics. John met his beloved wife Linda Catherine White in Maryland and had just celebrated their 47th anniversary on a Mississippi River Cruise a week before his death.
John served 3 times as President of the Teachers Association of Anne Arundel County (Taaac) and served on the Board of Directors of both the Maryland State Education Association and the National Education Association. John spent 7 1/2 years as a Special Assistant to County Executive Janet S Owens.
John volunteered for the American Heart Association, American Red Cross, Annapolis Jaycees and Annapolis Striders. In honor of his community involvement, he was selected as the 1979 Annapolis Jaycees Outstanding Young Annapolitan. As a lifetime Mensa Member, John was proud to have an article published in Mensa Magazine. John also co-owned a hat store, Hats in the Belfry in Baltimore’s Harborplace for 14 years (1986-2000) with his wife Linda.
In 1977 John discovered running as a way to reduce stress and improve health and in the 90’s he added cycling to his activities. In the past 4 decades John has accumulated over 100,000 miles on his bicycle and has completed 14 full marathons. He just finished his 11-year tenure as president of Sussex Cyclists.
After retiring and moving to Delaware in 2006, John and Linda had many adventures traveling the world. They are proud members of the Travelers Century Club having visited more than 114 different countries and all seven continents. John and Linda are also supporters of Beebe Medical Foundation 1916 Club, Children’s Beach House Beacon Society, Clear Space Theater.
John’s life was so much more than can be covered in such a short space. The important thing to know was that John was smart, funny, Compassionate and had a zest for life that left a positive impact on everyone he met. He will be sorely missed.
John is survived by his wife Linda of Lewes, Delaware and a niece Amanda Watson of Parker, Colorado.
A Celebration of Life will be held from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM on Wednesday, April 30, 2025 at Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium Atkins-Lodge Chapel, 16961 Kings Hwy, Lewes, DE. Interment will be held privately.
In lieu of flowers, the family recommends memorial donations in John’s honor be made to: TAAAC-Fee Children’s Fund, 2521 Riva Road, Suite L7, Annapolis, MD 21401.
FLORIST NOTE - PLEASE DELIVER ALL FLOWER ARRANGEMENTS TO THE LEWES LOCATION ON
WEDNESDAY APRIL 30 2025 BY 10:00 AM.
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