Joseph Kurtzman ’47

Joe, a very successful practitioner and professor of ophthalmology, died Feb. 1, 2005.

He enlisted in the Navy at age 17, but soon joined the V-12 program at Princeton. During World War II he served as a medical corpsman, and in 1946 entered New York University Medical School, from which he graduated in 1950.

Joe had a private practice of ophthalmology in Charleston, S.C., from 1961 until 1989 and had been a clinical professor emeritus at the Medical University of South Carolina since 1990. He belonged to several professional and fraternal organizations and was 
a past president of the Charleston Ophthalmology Society.

At an early age he began a noteworthy career in competitive swimming. He was a member of Princeton’s swim team and the International Swimming Hall of Fame. He set World Master and National Master records in the butterfly and breaststroke events, posted for his age group.

Joe was a man of vision who valued education, his Jewish heritage, his country, his community, and his family. The class extends deepest sympathy to his wife; their three sons, including Steven ’76; six grandchildren; and his brother, Aaron.