James Kurzontkowski

James R. Kurzontkowski, 80, passed away peacefully on Feb. 2, 2026, in Dover, Delaware, with family by his side.

Born April 12, 1945, in Framingham, James lived a full and meaningful life marked by dedication to his family, his work and his country.

James grew up in Hopkinton with his parents and four siblings. He attended Hopkinton High School, where he met the love of his life, Carol. They later married and moved to Severn, Maryland, where they enjoyed their life together until her passing in 2004. James’ later years were spent at his campsite in Chincoteague, Virginia, or at the homes of his son in Wilson, North Carolina, and his daughter in Dover, Delaware.

James proudly served as a Marine during the Vietnam War, demonstrating courage and commitment that would continue to define him throughout his life. After his military service, he built a long and respected career as a mechanic and shop foreman at Academy Ford in Laurel, Maryland. For over four decades, he was known for his skillful hands and steady leadership-qualities that earned him the respect of colleagues and customers alike.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, James was deeply devoted to his family. He was the beloved husband of the late Carol Kurzontkowski and the cherished father of Alan Kurzontkowski and Sara Pritchett. He took great pride in his grandchildren — Nicholas and Matthew Kurzontkowski, and Paige, Taylor and Jordan Pritchett — who brought him endless joy.

James also shared close bonds with his sisters, Joanne Gouin and Mary Byrnes, brother-in-law Bob Byrnes, brother-in-law and sister-in-law Gene and Lynne Goodlett, sister-in-law Diane Wilson and many nieces and nephews who will remember him fondly.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Rita and Ludwig Kurzontkowski, as well as his brothers, John and David Kurzontkowski, and brother-in-law William Gouin.

A man of simple pleasures and deep connections, James found happiness in spending time with family, working on cars — a lifelong passion — and relaxing at the beach or at his campers in later years. His sense of humor, caring nature and genuine kindness made him well liked by all who knew him. Though age may have slowed his body and mind in recent years, Jame’s spirit remained youthful and vibrant to the end. He will be missed greatly. May his memory bring comfort to those who knew him.

A funeral service honoring James’ life will be held Wednesday, Feb. 25, at the funeral home of Michael J. Ambruso in Dover, Delaware. Visitation will be held from 11 a.m.-noon, with a short service immediately following. Burial will follow at Maryland Veterans Cemetery in Crownsville.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in James’ honor to the Alzheimer’s Association (alz.org).

Obituaries are submissions, typically from funeral homes, that are not subject to the same level of editorial oversight as the rest of the Hopkinton Independent. Obituaries may be edited for grammatical and factual mistakes and clarifications and shortened for space considerations.