Obituary for Alex "Kelsy" Kuriawa
Alex "Kelsy" Kuriawa, 99, of Kenilworth, passed away on May 5, 2019, at Overlook Hospital, Summit. Born in Elizabeth, he lived in Kenilworth since 1953. Visitation will be on Thursday from 5-9pm at the Mastapeter Funeral Home, 400 Faitoute Ave, Roselle Park, NJ. Funeral mass will be on Friday at 10am at St. Theresa Church, Kenilworth. Cremation will be private.
Alex was Superintendent of Public Works for Kenilworth, where he worked for over 30 years before retiring 34 years ago. He cherished time with the Kenilworth Police managing their PBA 135 hall for many years. As a silver life card holder Kelsy was constantly ribbing the officers, and enjoyed card games and golf outings with the boys. He was an avid fisherman at home on Shark River and Raritan Bay. He was also a lover of crosswords and Jeopardy. Always a hustler, his side gigs included bartending at the Grotto Restaurant and Sunnyside Tavern in Kenilworth and recycling before it was in vogue. Over the years he played and excelled at handball, pool, ping-pong, golf, and bowling, including as president of the Kenilworth Bowling League at Clark Lanes. He’ll be missed most for the smiles he brought and the way he touched everyone he met with his story-telling, sharp wit and sweetness.
Alex served his country in the US Army during WWII in the European African Middle Eastern Theater, including at the Battle of Normandy.
Alex was predeceased by his wife Helen in 2018. Surviving are his sons, Kevin (Susan), Christopher, (Mayda), John (Kimmarie) & Michael and his grandchildren, Phillip, Justin, Julia, Bryan, Lucas & Alex.
Alex was Superintendent of Public Works for Kenilworth, where he worked for over 30 years before retiring 34 years ago. He cherished time with the Kenilworth Police managing their PBA 135 hall for many years. As a silver life card holder Kelsy was constantly ribbing the officers, and enjoyed card games and golf outings with the boys. He was an avid fisherman at home on Shark River and Raritan Bay. He was also a lover of crosswords and Jeopardy. Always a hustler, his side gigs included bartending at the Grotto Restaurant and Sunnyside Tavern in Kenilworth and recycling before it was in vogue. Over the years he played and excelled at handball, pool, ping-pong, golf, and bowling, including as president of the Kenilworth Bowling League at Clark Lanes. He’ll be missed most for the smiles he brought and the way he touched everyone he met with his story-telling, sharp wit and sweetness.
Alex served his country in the US Army during WWII in the European African Middle Eastern Theater, including at the Battle of Normandy.
Alex was predeceased by his wife Helen in 2018. Surviving are his sons, Kevin (Susan), Christopher, (Mayda), John (Kimmarie) & Michael and his grandchildren, Phillip, Justin, Julia, Bryan, Lucas & Alex.