John (Jack) Britton Kurrus, 81, of Groton, CT passed away Tuesday, December 11, 2012, at the Fairview nursing facility. He was born on May 8, 1931 in Brooklyn, New York, the son of the late Adolph and Muriel Kurrus.
After graduating high school he worked at Seaman's Bank in Manhattan, NY. A year later on October 31, 1950, he enlisted in the Navy following the outbreak of the Korean War. His 21 years of service included deployments on numerous submarines including the USS Cod, USS Croaker, USS George Washington, USS Tench, USS Sea Robin. In addition, Jack served on sub tenders USS Proteus and USS Fulton. His most notable tour of duty was aboard the USS Nautilus SSN 571 during the infamous journey to the North Pole beneath the polar ice cap. After retiring from the Navy, he worked at United Nuclear in Uncasville, CT for 5 years as the Quality Control Manager for final core assembly. Jack's second love was the sea where he returned and served 16 years as Chief Engineer on C.F. Industries bulk carrier the M/V Jamie A. Baxter.
Jack was always active in the community and served as Committee Chairman for Boy Scout Troop 100 in Uncasville for 10 years. He also served as a member of the New London Power Squadron for 46 years where he enjoyed teaching basic boating courses to the general public and navigation course to his fellow members. He was a master woodworker and enjoyed working on classic yachts and gold leaf signs.
Jack was a proud friend of Tom and Bill's.
He is survived by the "love of his life" and high school sweetheart Margaret (Peggy) Kurrus, and their six children: Richard Kurrus and wife Barbara of Virginia Beach, VA; Susan Kurrus of Glastonbury, CT; Scott Kurrus and wife Kelly of Greenfield, IN; Kris Kurrus and wife Brigitte of Manassas, VA; Lisa Kurrus of Richfield, MN; and Heidi Kurrus of Warwick, RI; 11 grandchildren, Jacky, Karl, Todd, Katie, Laurie, Susan, Gary, John, Carolyn, Scott and Jordan, and 4 great grandchildren, Ethan, Conner, Avalon and Celeste. He is also survived by his sister, Jean Jundt and her husband Chuck.
A Memorial Service will be conducted on Tuesday, December 18, 2012, at 10:00am at St. Mark's Episcopal Church, 15 Pearl Street, Mystic, CT.. Visitation and burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Alzheimer's Association.
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