Kurt Leonhard Popp

Kurt Leonard Popp, 87, passed away quietly at the Bruce W. Carter Veterans Administration hospital on March 6th, 2024 after battling against heart and kidney disease. Kurt was born November 30th, 1936 in Nuremberg, Germany, where he grew up amid a tumultuous economic environment and the threats of the First World War. At the tender age of 20, Kurt embarked upon his most treasured adventure, joining the US Navy “to see the world.” His adventures stretched across assignments on the USS Tarawa (1956-1960), the USS Alameda County (1960-1962), and the USS Falgout (1962-1965). He spent 6 years captaining LCU’s (Landing Craft Utility) during the Vietnam conflict before settling in as the Shipyard Superintendent at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. After a long and distinguished Naval career, Kurt retired from Activity duty in 1975 with a Bronze Star with a Combat V, a Navy/Marine Corps Achievement Medal, five Good Conduct Medals, a National Defense Service Medal, two Vietnam Service Medals, and a Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal. Kurt settled into his post-military career, raising a family in Rhode Island, including his surviving wife Jean and their two children Cindy and Joseph. His post-military career took him down a similar vocation as his Naval career, leading him to work for 12 years as chief electrician for Brown University before finally retiring for good and returning back to Hialeah, Florida. It is here that he truly called home, spending his time regaling family and friends with his plethora of stories and adventures over the course of an eventful life. Kurt was a kind and thoughtful soul and will be missed and remembered by the countless lives he touched. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Heart Association in the fight against our nation's No. 1 and No. 5 killers - heart disease and stroke, which played a significant role in the untimely death of a beloved husband, father, and friend. A viewing service will be conducted on March 25th at 11 a.m. at Abundant Life Deliverance Ministry (100 S Douglas Rd, Pembroke Pines, FL 33025). In accordance with his final wishes, Kurt will ultimately be cremated and his remains will be interned at the South Florida Veterans National Cemetery (6501 FL-7, Wellington, FL 33449), with full-color guard and the associated military ceremony befitting a career Senior Chief Petty Officer. The family is currently making plans for the ceremony and further details will be shared soon.

Kurt Leonhard Popp

November 30, 1936 - March 6, 2024