Kurt Walter Ohnmacht passed away on February 16, 2026, in Lake Worth, Florida, at the age of 62, after a brief illness. Kurt was born to parents Gertrude and Walter on January 15, 1964. He grew up in Somerville and Bridgewater, New Jersey.

Kurt loved sports. He attended Bridgewater-Raritan High School East, where he played football and wrestled. Kurt then went on to pursue his dream of hotel and restaurant management at James Madison University in Harrisonburg, VA. It was there that Kurt played defense, as a nose tackle, during 1982-1984 football seasons. Kurt graduated from JMU in 1987 and began his career in the restaurant business.

Shortly thereafter, Kurt moved to Florida and began his passion for cooking at the Marriott Hotel in the Tampa Bay airport. Kurt changed careers, and transitioned to a long career with FedEx, first as a driver, and then as a manager. Kurt chose early retirement from FedEx and most recently, resided in North Palm Beach, FL.

Kurt was perceived as an amazing football coach for his son, Tyler’s team, the Lutz Chiefs. He loved to coach the young boys and has been remembered for his coaching and life skills ever since, even long after the boys grew up and pursued careers.

Kurt’s passion was cooking. He created some of the finest culinary dishes for friends and family, who continue to make some of the favorite recipes shared by Kurt. His Louisiana Gumbo was always a favorite. To this day, the community at Ports O’Call remembers Kurt’s Eggs Benedict that he prepared and served for a community breakfast.

He loved the beach and spent many summers at the Jersey Shore on Reese Ave in Lavallette. Kurt looked forward to his visits where he would surf, fish, clam and crab on the docks at the bay. He later spent time at the Jupiter Beach Inlet, where he always enjoyed the ocean breezes. More recently, Kurt has enjoyed the Delaware beaches with his brother, Mark, whenever he was up to the DC area to visit his brother and sister. Kurt loved the Delaware beaches and often compared the beach to his love of Lavallette.

Anyone you speak to will confirm Kurt’s affinity for lighting up a room with his smile, and he would always go above and beyond for his friends and family. He was often the comedian in the room and consistently induced laughter from all with his creative and entertaining skits. Whether in person, a phone call or a text, Kurt loved spending time with people.

Kurt cherished his children, Tyler and Briana. He was so proud of their accomplishments. Kurt was always so grateful to have such a loving and supportive family, his brother Mark, and his sister Susan.

Kurt’s marriages to Katie O’Sullivan and Margaret Thelwell, ended in divorce. Following his divorce, Kurt lived with his parents and served as primary caregiver to them until their deaths in 2017. Kurt is survived by his son, Tyler, daughter, Briana, brother, Mark, sister, Susan and cousins Linda (Ohnmacht) Van Gorder, Sandra (Ohnmacht) Ihnen, Bill Ohnmacht, Jennifer Van Gorder, Brandon Ihnen, Jessica (Ohnmacht) and Sina Kari, Katrina Ohnmacht, and Delara Kari.

Memorial donations can be made in Kurt’s name to: James Madison University Athletics Department, ATTN: Football Program, Kurt Walter Ohnmacht, Class of 1987 Major: Hotel and Restaurant Management Played football for JMU: 1982, 1983, 1984 Support JMU: Donations to the football program, received through March 31, 2026, will automatically be attributed to Kurt’s Legacy. Click Here to donate online

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:00AM on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, at The Church of The Immaculate Conception, 35 Mountain Avenue, Somerville.