John Ronald Kurpjuweit, had a zest for life

John Ronald Kurpjuweit passed away unexpectedly after a brief illness Tuesday, April 1, 2025. He was born in Waynesburg, Pa., Jan. 22, 1945, to the late Ronald W. Kurpjuweit and Mary Alice Bell Kurpjuweit.

John graduated from California State College (now known as Pennsylvania Western University) and earned a master’s degree from Johns Hopkins University. He spent his working years in the Annapolis, Md. area with careers in public education, government, and politics. John met his beloved wife, Linda Catherine White, in Annapolis. Just a week before his passing, they joyfully celebrated their 47th anniversary on a Mississippi River cruise.

John served three times as president of the Teachers Association of Anne Arundel County and served on the board of directors of both the Maryland State Education Association and the National Education Association. After retiring from teaching, John spent seven-and-a-half years as special assistant to County Executive Janet S. Owens.

John volunteered for the American Heart Association, American Red Cross, Annapolis Jaycees, and Annapolis Striders. In honor of his community involvement, he was selected as the 1979 Annapolis Jaycees Outstanding Young Annapolitan. As a lifetime Mensa member, John was proud to have an article published in Mensa Magazine. John also co-owned a hat store, Hats in the Belfry, in Baltimore’s Harborplace for 14 years (1986-2000) with his wife Linda.

In 1977, John discovered running as a way to reduce stress and improve health, and in the ‘90s, he added cycling to his activities. In the past four decades, John has accumulated over 100,000 miles on his bicycle and has completed 14 full marathons. He just finished an 11-year tenure as president of Sussex Cyclists.

After retiring and moving to Delaware in 2006, John and Linda had many adventures traveling the world. They are members of the Travelers Century Club, having visited more than 114 countries and all seven continents. John and Linda are also supporters of Beebe Medical Foundation’s 1916 Club, Children’s Beach House Beacon Society, and Clear Space Theatre.

John’s life was so much more than can be covered in such a short space. The important thing to know was that John was smart, funny, compassionate, and had a zest for life that left a positive impact on everyone he met. He will be sorely missed.

John is survived by his wife, Linda, of Lewes; and a niece, Amanda Watson of Parker, Colo.

A celebration of life will be held from 2 to 4 p.m., Wednesday, April 30, at Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium, Atkins-Lodge Chapel, 16961 Kings Hwy., Lewes. 

In lieu of flowers, the family recommends memorial donations in John’s honor be made to TAAAC-Fee Children’s Fund, 2521 Riva Road, Ste. L7, Annapolis, MD 21401.

Visit John’s Life Memorial webpage at parsellfuneralhomes.com.