Edward C. Kurtz, Jr.
Former documentary filmmaker, writer, community activist
Edward C. Kurtz, Jr. passed away on January 12th after a brief illness. He was 66. He was the son of Marilyn Azcona Kurtz and the late Edward C. Kurtz, Sr. of New Orleans.
Eddie was a renowned local public television documentary filmmaker and writer
whose works focused on the unique New Orleans experience and chronicled the
generation of the 1960s. Eddie was also an adjunct professor at Xavier University.
Eddie's public television documentaries included "The Danny Barker Show," a biography
of the great jazz musician Danny Barker; "This Cat Can Play Anything," a biography about
New Orleans legendary banjo player Manny Sayles; "Piano Players," a documentary
about three generations of New Orleans piano players; and "Which Governs Best"
which analyzed the changing role of the U.S. government over the last century and
its implications. Eddie also did freelance work and various video clips on New Orleans
humorous characters for the television series "Real New Orleans."
His books include August in New Orleans, 1968, Singing for Supper and My Casanova.
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Eddie was one of the founding members of Tipitina's and the New Orleans Video Access Center (NOVAC) and active in various social and educational causes including service on the boards and committees of the Louisiana SPCA, NOVAC, Boys Town, the Krewe of Barkus, and Krewe De Vieux.
Eddie was a graduate of Jesuit High School in New Orleans and received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Literature from the University of Notre Dame and his Masters of Arts degree in Broadcasting and Film Production from San Francisco State University.
Survivors include his mother, Marilyn Azcona Kurtz; three siblings, William Henry Kurtz (Shelley) of New Orleans, Debbie K. Prejeant (Wayne) of New Orleans, and Tommy J. Kurtz (Rachel) of Prairieville, LA; and four nieces and nephews, Christopher Kurtz of New Orleans, Justin Kurtz of Detroit, Sarah Kurtz and Dylan Kurtz of Prairieville; his cousins-the Byrd and Conforto families; his beloved dogs Golfree and Piper; and his many faithful and cherished friends.
The Kurtz family has asked that donations be made in Eddie's name to the Louisiana SPCA and the New Orleans Video Access Center (NOVAC). The Kurtz family would like to thank the caring staff of the various facilities of the Ochsner Clinic Foundation, the LHC Group, and River Region Hospice. Funeral services will be private but a memorial chronicling his life's literary and film contributions will be held next month by his professional colleagues and friends.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by The 2nd Mrs. Kurtz.
March 7, 2013
Kurtz Meister!!! So sad to hear you've left us.
I'll really miss you bro'. Please put in a good word to St. Peter for us. Love you man.
February 13, 2013
K. Aurora Adney
Eddie has been one of the most impactful people in my life. He was never just a sunny weather friend, but would get down in the trenches with his friends and help them back up in any way he could. He was bright,funny, and never failed to put laughter in my heart and a smile on my face. Love you forever my friend.
February 11, 2013
Melissa Sterne
I was so sorry to hear of Eddie's passing. I worked for Eddie right out of college in the late 80s. I learned so much from him - about film-making and life. He was a wonderful influence in my life, for which I am very grateful. My deepest condolences.
January 28, 2013
Ellen Reynolds
Eddie was a dear friend, love, and for a time, a colleague. His generosity was beyond measure, as was his optimism. I don't know of anyone else like him for sass, fun, and sharp intelligence (not to mention, wardrobe!) - and I suppose I never will. I was blessed to have him in my life and I'll be forever grateful.
January 27, 2013
Ann Asprodites
In 1975, Eddie and I shared a balcony on Orange Street and many laughs. In the following years, our paths would often cross, due many times to the friends we had in common. Eddie, you will always be a balcony-buddy and part of my growing up in New Orleans. My thoughts are with all of the many friends and family throughout the city and beyond.
January 26, 2013
Celia Taylor
Peace Eddie. We love you and miss you. Xxxooo
January 26, 2013
Patrick Garvey
Eddie taught me everything thing I needed to know about New Orleans and much, much more about how to live life. Condolences to both family and friends. The Crescent City is now without one of its greatest ambassadors and warriors. "Believe It!"
January 26, 2013
Richard Stimler
Eddie, one of my most memorable of friends. Wishing the Kurtz family all my sincerest condolences.
January 19, 2013
Paul Dalier
Eddie I will never forget the ride home you gave me from the Velvet Swing back in the 60s. WELL I ALMOST MADE IT HOME Peace brother
January 19, 2013
John Edwards
my deepest sympathy to all of Eddie's family....
January 18, 2013
Synda Kollman
Such a dear friend lost too soon. And he was still wearing the "Eddie" hat the we gave him over 10 years ago. We will surely miss him as will all his family and friends. He was just that kind of guy.
January 17, 2013
Francis "Willy" Mayer
I regret not having known Eddie in later life. My sincerest condolences to the family. Jesuit class of '63.
January 16, 2013
Warren Duclos
One of the bright lights of our class.
January 16, 2013
Peggy Scott Laborde
Our condolences to Eddie's family. He was a warm and funny person and truly a joy to be with and work with.
January 16, 2013
Carlee Blamphin
Deepest condolences to Eddie's whole family. I am so sorry for your loss. I know you will miss him. It was just too early for him to go and I'm sure you are feeling that. Love and comfort to you, Carlee Blamphin
January 16, 2013
Josie Gristina
Good Bye Dear Friend. I Loved You, and You Loved Me, Once and Forever. I'll never forget You, Purple Dude.
January 16, 2013
Barbara Yates
OMG, I knew something was up. I consider Eddie to be one of the kewlest cats I've ever worked with and now I need to get all his books in order and his website so that he will always be remembered as da kewlest of da kewl! RIP my special friend!
January 16, 2013
Peter Michell
I remember when we were running for the Student Council at Jesuit in 1963 and dark horse Eddie "Frog Man" Kurtz came out to deliver his nominating speech and his class called out to him ' Plunk your magic twanger, froggie" and he said "Hiya kids, hiya" and the class said "Hiya , Froggie". He brought down the house. Just like our Saturday cartoon characters who appeared when the Our Gang comedies played.
January 16, 2013
Nancy Zearfoss
Eddie, how could you leave at a time like this? We were just getting ready to be able to party full time. I met Eddie in grad school in SF in 1969. I remember going to the apt he had with wife Helena and above an archway, he had stenciled a line from the Rolling Stones, "It's just a shot away, it's just a kiss away." I thought Eddie was the most fun person I knew and I always planned to go to Mardi Gras. I would love to meet others who knew him - share stories and celebrate his life. My heart is heavy and I think I'll be leaving work early to wake him into the next phase.
January 15, 2013
Katrina
Gonna miss you, man.
January 15, 2013
Gerald landry
Eddie and I sat next to each other 5 years at Jesuit---he transfered from ND to La Tech to UL where I was playing football---he didn't have a place to live so he stayed in my room in the athletic dorm --after about a month Coach Blanco (yes the ex gov's husband said that UL was very gracious in their hospitality but it was time for him to find other lodging---loved his lil girlfriend she went by Apache as a nickname---He was doing an interview on a Lafayette station on one of his documentaries and I called in to the show---When I called him Froggy the host kind of condescendingly said "people call you Froggy?" He replied yea my friends!!! Damn I liked him---Think it is time to make more time with the people that you love!!!
January 15, 2013
Celia Taylor
Peace Eddie. Big Ce and Lil Ce miss you. We love you, miss you think about all the fun times often.
January 15, 2013
Dracos Morvant
To all of Billy's friends in the Prentiss Pros (circa 1965), Eddie was respectfully known as," BROTHER ED ". He was a legend to us and there was always a story about his many adventures. He was beyond unique and brought a new spirit to everyone. Though he's gone , the legend lives. My deep sympathy to Billy, Debbie, Tommy their families and Marilyn.
January 15, 2013
Leola Anderson
WOW Eddie, such a shock to hear that you have left New Orleans. You were such a fun, loving, and energetic guy. I am sure heaven is rejoicing to have someone with your literary skills joining the angels.
January 15, 2013
Mike Casey
I was at JHS in Eddie's class.One of my fondest memories of Eddie was when he was running to be a class officer.There was an event where the candidates appeared on stage in the auditorium to give their pitches.Most of them were serious.Eddie came out and yelled--- "plunk your magic twanger froggie" and brought down the house. Eddie was a great guy.I had much affection for him back then,and still do.
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David Jones
There's no one as original as my friend Eddie. He was an integral part of "Real New Orleans". I'm lucky to have known and worked with him on that and many other projects. He was a good person and a good friend. Eddie was truly Real New Orleans to me.
January 15, 2013
Barney Fortier
Wow, Eddie! Sorry I didn't really know you beyond Jesuit. Now I'm going to catch all of your videos and books.
God bless you and your family .
January 15, 2013
Paul Stekler
Eddie was a keeper. Rest in peace buddy.
January 15, 2013
A wry and incisive commentator on the absurdities of his beloved home town and beyond, and a loyal and steadfast friend. Go with God, my old friend.
--Stephen Tyler, New Orleans
January 15, 2013
Elyce Picciotti
A constant for more years than I can remember. I can't believe you're gone my friend.
January 15, 2013
Matt Martinez
Please accept my condolences on the loss of Eddie, a smart, funny, unique guy. I looked up to Kurtz and got to work with him. During our collaborations we learned a lot, overcame common challenges, and had a lotta laughs. I'm sad that's he's gone but glad to call him my friend. Good guy. Long may we be blessed with many good memories of Eddie Kurtz.
January 15, 2013
James Gravois
Sorry to see another classmate check out. My condolences to his mother and family. He was quite a character: funny and creative, always engaging. I wish I had seen him more often. Jim Gravois, JHS '63
January 14, 2013
Tommy, Rachel, Sarah, Dylan Kurtz
Godfather Uncle Bred-
We love and miss you and will you always be in our thoughts.
The world is a more boring place and less creativity abounds without you in it. Let Chaos rule! Two Edward C Kurtzes may be tough for the Almighty. Go easy on him.
Golfree is in our good care with his cousin Tigger.
Love,
Tommy, Rachel, Sarah, Dylan, Tigger and Golfree
January 14, 2013
Melissa
Party on, Eddie! We'll miss you so very much here-a huge light has gone out in nola, and the world.
January 14, 2013
Norman O'Neal
Billy and Tommy, It seems only yesterday when I concelebrated your father's funeral. I did not teach Eddie, Jr., but I do want to extend my condolences to you two, and your sister. I will remember him in my Masses and prayers. Let me know if there is anything I can do for you. Norman O'Neal, S.J.
January 14, 2013
Stephen Duplantier
Condolences to the family from an old friend of Eddie's from childhood days in Oak Park--Stephen Duplantier (there is no option to show where I actually live in Costa Rica).
January 14, 2013
B P
We will miss Uncle Br'Ed! Thoughts and prayers with Eddie and the family.
Karen and Bill
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Funeral services provided by:
Jacob Schoen & Son Funeral Home3827 Canal Street, New Orleans, LA 70119
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