Kurt C. Mietzner

It is with great sadness that we share that our beloved dad, Kurt Mietzner, passed away on February 28, 2023 after a brief battle with congestive heart failure. He was 82 years old. Dad was born on February 26,1941 to Kurt and Otillia Mietzner.  After attending Delehanty High School in Jamaica, Queens, he graduated from Fordham University with a Bachelor of Science, and thereafter received an MBA from Saint John's University.

Following graduation, Dad served as a First Lieutenant in the United States Army, stationed in Fort Dix, New Jersey. Following an honorable discharge in 1969, he began a long career in the pharmaceutical industry, with roles at Pfizer and Schering Plough where he proudly held his final position as Senior Director of Field Sales from which he retired in 2003.  His time in these roles was a perfect match for his outgoing and gregarious personality, and his love of people, connections and conversations.

At the age of 13, dad met the love of his life, our mom Barbara. They married in April 1963 and three children quickly followed; Barbara Ann, Kurt & Linda.  Their romance continued to just shy of their 60-year anniversary.  Their love was pure magic and their devotion to one another was admired by all who knew them.

Dad was a force of nature, determined to provide for his family and give us the life he believed we deserved.  Family meant more than anything else to him, and he would move mountains to ensure our happiness.  Dad was always known for his beautiful blue eyes, his quick smile, his witty sense of humor, and a willingness to help others.  His generosity was beyond compare, whether it be with words of encouragement and advice, or the gift of a special, meaningful token of his love.  He took special care of all those who entered his life; those closest to him appreciated how he would mull over their worries as if they were his own, and always return with his solutions for their troubles. His genuine concern for those he loved was immeasurable.

Dad grew up dancing the Schuhplattler as a member of Gemuetlichen Enzianer. As two of the founding members of this German club, his parents carried their Bavarian culture and traditions forward to the United States, and today the club continues as a proud legacy where Dad was a 50-year honorary member.

Dad was also an avid sports fan, most passionate about German soccer, the Bundeslegier, and his favorite team Frieberg. For close to a decade, he held the cherished position of President of the NY Hota Bavarian Sports Club in Floral Park, NY. His position as goalie was his joy, as was mentoring and coaching young men both on and off the field. He was also a talented accordion player, and it was a point of extreme pride that he once had the opportunity to play accordion along with friends on the Johnny Carson show.  He was also a talented skier, fisherman, and he held a deep love for gardening.

Dad was a wonderful Opa to his three grandchildren Charlotte, Kurt and Aidan. Like any proud Opa, he found immense joy in their successes both academically and on the sports field.  He also had a deep fondness for animals and nature, and we all found so much humor in the silly nicknames he often created for family, friends and all our pets.

Anyone who knew Dad knew that he was the most loving father and husband a family could ask for.  We mourn the loss of our father and encourage any and all who knew him to remember the beauty he brought to this world.  He is predeceased by his parents Kurt and Otilla, his sister Marianne and brother-in-laws Marty and George. He is survived by his wife Barbara, his children Barbara Ann and Steven, Kurt and Michele, Linda and Michael, and his three grandchildren Charlotte, Kurt Jr. and Aidan.

A Catholic Mass and a Celebration of Life will be held in the near future; details to follow shortly.  In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Saint Jude's foundation, or a favorite charity of your choice.

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