John W. Kurtich, 68, beloved friend, renowned academic and
accomplished architectural historian, died Monday, March 29, 2004,
at his home in the Hyde Park neighborhood of Chicago.
John W. Kurtich, 68, beloved friend, renowned academic and accomplished architectural historian, died Monday, March 29, 2004, at his home in the Hyde Park neighborhood of Chicago.
He was born in Salinas and raised in Hollister, graduating from San Benito High School in 1953. He graduated from UCLA with a degree in cinematography, and then spent three years serving in the U.S. Navy. He later received his bachelor’s degree in architecture from the University of California, Berkeley and his master’s of science in urban design from Columbia University. In 1968, he began his long tenure teaching at The School of the Art Institute of Chicago, teaching history of art, architectural design, filmmaking and performance.
John’s work was truly his passion, whether at The School, where he was honored with the William Bronson Mitchell and Grayce Slovet Mitchell Chair of Interior Architecture, or abroad, where he served as the archaeological architect on the Greek Island of Samothrace for 32 years and lectured on ancient civilizations for traveling study groups. In addition to his academic pursuits, John was a licensed architect, an accomplished musician, a gourmet cook and a seasoned world traveler.
He was predeceased by his father John and mother Elizabeth; and is survived by his loving uncles Bob Lyons, of Watsonville, Nick Lyons, of Florence, Ore., Wilfred Lyons, of Cambria; his aunt Burnis Lyons, of Watsonville; cousins DeAnn Lyons Underwood, of Palo Alto, Kathleen Lyons Phillips, of Carmichael, Bob and Bill Lyons, of Watsonville, Nick Lyons, of Kensington, Susan Lyons, of Salt Lake City, Utah; their families and by many close friends and colleagues around the world.
A very special person – unique in both talents and teaching ability – John was loved by students and colleagues for his commitment to education. His brilliant mind, great sense of humor and kind soul will be sorely missed by the many lives he touched over the years. Memorial services, attended by hundreds, were held in the Grand Ballroom at The School of the Art Institute of Chicago. Interment in Cambria will be private. Memorial donations may be made to the charity of your choice or to The School of the Art Institute of Chicago, for the John Kurtich Memorial Fund, 37 S. Wabash, Chicago, Ill. 60603.
