Kurt G. Kruger, 54

GREAT BARRINGTON, Mass. — Mr. Kurt G. Kruger died suddenly on Monday, July 17, 2017, while hiking trails he loved on Mount Greylock. He was 54 years old.

Mr. Kruger was the modern day equivalent of a Renaissance man. He was an accomplished composer and musician, an author of poetry and prose, a linguist, and a designer and builder of exquisite furniture. In recent months, he was passing on his extraordinary skills as a woodworker to his 19-year-old-son John, who worked by his father's side learning quickly and developing his own talents and creativity.  

Kurt was born on December 6, 1962, in Derby, Conn., and raised in nearby Monroe, Conn. He graduated from Masuk High School and studied classical guitar and composition at the Hartt School of Music. He also studied classical languages at Bowdoin College and San Francisco State University. He recently taught Sanskrit at Bard College at Simon's Rock.

His love of poetry led to frequent readings of his original works at the Deb Koffman Gallery in Housatonic and at Fuel in Great Barrington. He also participated in poetry slams at Helsinki Hudson. Kurt was a writer at the Berkshire Edge contributing poems and short stories.

He is survived by his beloved son John Kruger and John's mother, Dana Bishop; his mother Sharon Mallozzi and her husband Al Mallozzi; his father Kurt J. Kruger and his wife Patricia Kruger; two brothers Paul Kruger and Peter Kruger and Peter’s wife Tina; five nieces and nephews, Max, Gunther, Emily, Daniel and Ava; his aunt Janice Parker and her husband Jared; his aunt Bonnie Piazza and husband Mike; his uncle Lance Kruger and wife Janet; and many cousins. He is also survived by his special friend, Gail Belmuth.

Kurt had many close friends near and far. He will be missed terribly by all who knew and loved him.

Funeral notice: Calling hours will be Sunday, July 23, 2017, from 2 to 3:30 p.m., followed by remembrance for sharing stories and memories of Kurt from 3:30 to 4 p.m. at Finnerty & Stevens Funeral Home, 426 Main Street, Great Barrington, Ma.