Joseph Matthew Urtz, 60, husband of Valerie Akula, died Wednesday, July 1, in Cambridge, Massachusetts. He was the son of the late Walter A. Urtz of Lee Center, NY and Catherine “Kay” Urtz of Syracuse. Born December 30, 1954, Joe grew up in Rome, NY where he was a parishioner of St. Mary’s Church and attended Rome Catholic High School. He played basketball and ran cross country.
Joe graduated from Syracuse University and its Newhouse School of Public Communication. He met Valerie at Syracuse and together the moved to the Boston area. Joe worked with the Harvard Business Review Reprint Division and he later joined the Harvard University Depository Library where he was employed for the past 33 years.
Joe is survived by his wife, Valerie, and by six siblings: Frank and Sandy Urtz, Mequon, WI, Tom and Richie Urtz, Winchester, VA, Barbara and Mike Russell, Dewitt, NY, Paul and Debbie Urtz, Denver, CO, Margaret Mary ‘Peggy’ Urtz in Des Moines, IA and Andrew Urtz, in New York City. He leaves behind nine nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by sister Sheilah.
During Joe’s extended illness, both he and Valerie relied heavily on Diane Akula, Val’s sister, who also resides in Cambridge. Words cannot begin to express the Urtz family’s thanks and deepest appreciation.
Joe had a gentle soul with a giving and caring nature. He loved to run, or take long walks. He was an avid reader, diving into classics in his pre-teen years. He shared a love for writing with his siblings, but his prose was far and away the most entertaining. When an e-mail arrived from Joe Urtz, it did not stay unopened long as everyone knew it would contain a sly smile-inducing line or three, if not an outright belly-laugh.
A co-founder of the William S. Burroughs Bike Ride to Oblivion, he was honored on several occasions to be wearing the ‘Ugliest Shirt’ as determined by randomly selected passersby. He was a fine golfer until persistent back problems forced him to give up the game. He cheered for the Yankees and Celtics. This unique soul will be missed mightily, but we know his pain has been lifted and when we see him again it will be the dimple-cheeked Joe with the curious arched eyebrow who will be waiting to welcome us home.
A celebration of Joe’s life will be held Saturday, July 11 at 3 pm at Keefe Funeral Home at 2175 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the charity of your choice. If you prefer to direct a donation to support Val during this difficult time, you can do so c/o Diane Akula 104 Larch Rd. Cambridge, MA 02138-3317.