J. Stephen Kurtz; doctor delivered 6,000 babies
J. Stephen Kurtz, 92, of Ambler, a Philadelphia obstetrician who delivered 6,000 babies in a practice spanning 50 years, died Monday, Sept. 30, of dementia at his home.
J. Stephen Kurtz, 92, of Ambler, a Philadelphia obstetrician who delivered 6,000 babies in a practice spanning 50 years, died Monday, Sept. 30, of dementia at his home.
Dr. Kurtz specialized in both obstetrics and gynecology. Early in his career, he was affiliated with Germantown Hospital and Roxborough Memorial Hospital. Later, he joined the staff at Chestnut Hill Hospital before retiring in 1999.
His family said Dr. Kurtz was one of the first obstetricians in Philadelphia to practice Frederick Leboyer's method of childbirth.
The method, introduced in 1974, calls for the infant to be born into a dark, warm, quiet environment and placed on its mother for gentle stroking. No forceps is used; anything causing the child trauma is kept to a minimum. The Leboyer method was one of several modes from which Dr. Kurtz's expectant mothers could choose.
"He was loved by his patients," said his wife, Jane Grace Kurtz, a nurse. "I remember he was very gentle, never rushed. He was laid-back and kind. He practiced at a time when he could take his time."
Born in Reading, Dr. Kurtz was a graduate of Reading High School, Franklin and Marshall College, and Temple University Medical School.
He served in the Navy from 1946 to 1948.
Dr. Kurtz was an Eagle Scout, president of the Sigma Pi Fraternity at Franklin and Marshall, and a member of the Phi Chi Medical Fraternity, the American Medical Association, and the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. He was a past member of the Philadelphia Cricket Club.
He loved history, opera, and puzzles, and was a skilled violinist. At Christmas, he played at home, with other musicians, for the enjoyment of guests.
Surviving, besides his wife, are daughters Katrina Kurtz Shuptar, Gretchen Kurtz Mertz, and Laura Jane Kurtz Buckalew; two grandsons; and nieces and nephews.
His first wife, Bessie Polk Kurtz, died earlier.
Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 5, at Emil J. Ciavarelli Family Funeral Homes, 951 E. Butler Pike, Ambler. Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 4, and Saturday, starting at 9 a.m., at the funeral home. Interment is private.
Donations may be sent to Dr. Joseph Bavaria, Cardio Aortic Program, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, 3400 Spruce St., Suite 750, Philadelphia 19104.
Condolences may be offered at www.ciavarellifuneralhomes.com.