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Kurt John Lesker III

July 13, 1949 - October 24, 2015

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Obituary For Kurt John Lesker III

July 13, 1949 - October 24, 2015

Kurt John Lesker III, a man who truly loved every moment of life, was surrounded by his loving wife and children when he passed away on October 24th. He died at the age of 66 after a courageous battle with rhabdomyosarcoma, a rare form of cancer. A Pittsburgh native, Kurt grew up in Whitehall and graduated from Baldwin High School in 1967. His yearbook has him listed as "handsome and popular"?¦that never changed. Kurt's relentless sense of adventure and joy of life was infectious to everyone he knew, and through them his SPIRIT will live on.

Kurt III's father founded Kurt J. Lesker Company (KJLC), a science based technology and equipment business, in 1954. Kurt III left Rockwell International and joined the company in 1979 as President. Over the past 36 years Kurt's vision and leadership have been instrumental in expanding KJLC from a regional distributor into an international manufacturer. He opened offices throughout North America, Europe and Asia, which has been key in allowing the company to compete in a global marketplace. As a respected global business leader he was nominated for several entrepreneurship awards and served on a variety of boards. Kurt was extremely proud of his KJLC family for their role in enabling technology for a better world.

Kurt received his BS in Industrial Engineering from Lehigh University in 1971 and MBA from the Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth College in 1976. He was a Lieutenant JG in the United States Navy and served on the USS Lowry from 1971-1974, during the Vietnam War. He was also an instrument rated pilot with over 2500 hours, a licensed scuba diver, avid mountaineer and skier, motorcycle enthusiast, and C-licensed soccer coach.

Kurt was the beloved and cherished husband of Cindy Bland Lesker for 42 years, a loving father to Kristin (Joe) Eisel, Kurt IV (Laura) Lesker, and Jenna (Nick) Lloyd, fun-loving Pap Pap to Monti, Giavanna, & Brooklyn Eisel, and The Dogfather of Moxie, Bogey, and Charlie. He was the son of the late Kurt Jr. and Virginia Lesker, the brother of Mark (Bonnie) Lesker and Lisa (Michael) Bevenour, and son-in-law of Evelyn and the late Ray Bland. He is also survived by several nieces, nephews, cousins, and incredibly good friends.

Visitation will be on Thursday, October 29th from 2-4pm and 6-8pm, and Friday evening, October 30th from 5-8pm, at John F. Slater Funeral Home, 4201 Brownsville Rd, Pittsburgh, PA 15227. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, October 31st at 11am at Baldwin Community Methodist Church, 5001 Baptist Rd, Pittsburgh, PA 15236.

In lieu of flowers we ask you to support our friend, Dr. Kurt Weiss, in his Sarcoma cancer research efforts. Donations can be made payable to "University of Pittsburgh/sarcoma research" and sent to Attn: Kurt Weiss, Medical and Health Sciences Foundation, Forbes Tower, Suite 8084, 3600 Forbes Avenue at Meyran Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15213.

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Condolences

  • December 11, 2019

    All the Loadmans (Bob, Helen, Susan, Tom, Janet, Scott (our Patti is waiting for us in heaven)) from Veman Ave want to extend our condolences for your loss. We have many fond memories of Kurt, Mark and Lisa and the fun times we had sled-riding, playing kickball and kick the can. And my sister Susan finally admitted that she had a HUGE crush on Kurt when she was 12 years old. Our prayer for the family and friends that Kurt left behind is that you find peace and courage during this difficult time.

  • December 11, 2019

    Kurt Lesker Family, Sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

  • December 11, 2019

    Cindy, Kirsten, Kurt iv, Jenna, Mark and Lisa - I can barely fathom the depth of your sorrow as you (and we all) face the departure of Kurt from this world and entry into the next, eternal world. I don't know anyone who enjoyed life more than Kurt, and brought that joy to everything he did. Already I miss him so I know you, too, must. Kurt was like a brother to me though we were friends for only 32 or 33 years. To all of Kurt's extended family I extend the warmest possible condolences and be assured y'all will be in my prayers going forward. Luv y'all, Dave

  • December 11, 2019

    Cindy, Kirsten, Kurt iv, Jenna, Mark and Lisa - I can barely fathom the depth of your sorrow as you (and we all) face the departure of Kurt from this world and entry into the next, eternal world. I don't know anyone who enjoyed life more than Kurt, and brought that joy to everything he did. Already I miss him so I know you, too, must. Kurt was like a brother to me though we were friends for only 32 or 33 years. To all of Kurt's extended I extend the warmest possible condolences and be assured y'all will be in my prayers going forward. Luv y'all, Dave

  • December 11, 2019

    Cindy & family, I would like to wish you all my heartfelt condolences at your very sad loss. Kurt who I have known for many years was such a wonderful human being both on & off the soccer field. The memories I have of him when we all played in the Vets Cup will remain in my heart for years. May you remember all the wonderful times you had with him, & may this comfort you all at this time. God bless you all Tony Battle

  • December 11, 2019

    Cindy, Jenna, Kristin and Kurt IV, words obviously cannot express what we are feeling for you right now. When we told Drew and Xander about the loss of 'Big Kurt' a flood of memories came back to them...and us. Our times at the cabin over Christmas with you all are cherished, Big Kurt taking Drew and I up for a 'spin' in the plane, and how he laughed the first time he met us, at your house, where we neglected to put our parking break on and car ran over your beautifully landscaped yard. You can add us to the long list of people that loved him and will miss him dearly. Scott, Kathleen, Drew, Xander

  • December 11, 2019

    Knew Kurt from years of playing against Bethel Park Soccer teams. Will remember him fondly as one of the good guys. From myself and on behalf of Tartan Devils Football Club we extend our most sincere condolences to his family and friends at this time.

  • December 11, 2019

    Cindy, Jenna, Kristin and Kurt 4, I am honored to have been a part of your family the last 5 years. More specifically, having the opportunity to spend time with and get to know and love Kurt is a great joy that will cheer my heart forever. Obviously this time was cut short too soon but I will cherish the time we had. I cannot imagine the holes in your hearts right now but I have confidence that because of his positive attitude, his spirit and strength you will all continue to make him proud. Much love. Michele