Joseph Stephen Kurimai, Sr. 84 of Sanford died peacefully Wednesday, August 15, 2012 with his wife and family by his side. Joseph was born September 3, 1927 in Norwalk, CT to the late Julia and Joseph Kurimai. He graduated from Norwalk High School where he starred in basketball. He joined the United States Navy after high school serving from 1945 to 1948 then was called back for the Korean Conflict from 1951 to 1952. He married the love of his life Elizabeth Loveland on April 16, 1955. Joseph helped pioneer the vacuum cooling of produce and in the late 1950's set up a major operation in Sanford, FL where they eventually settled. Due to his association with the produce business, summers were spent in Oswego, NY. Joseph was a supporter of the arts and volunteered extensively to help the School of Dance Arts and The Ballet Guild of Sanford -Seminole. He enjoyed playing golf and at Mayfair Country Club had a hole-in-one on the 16th hole. He was a charter member of Timacuan Country Club where he shot his 2nd hole-in-one and eventually became the club's “go to” guy regarding maintenance of the facility. Joseph will be remembered as a kind, generous man who had a easy going personality that drew others to him. He became a member of Holy Cross Episcopal Church in 1965 and was devoted to his wife and family. Joseph is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Elizabeth; daughter, Holley and son-in-law, Phil Ricker; son, Joseph S. Kurimai, Jr; grandchildren, Kyle and Hollynn Ricker and Joseph S. Kurimai, III; sister, Judith and her husband, Pat O’Keefe and brother-in-law, Richard and his wife, Robin Loveland. A life celebration will be held at 1:00 PM Saturday, August 25, 2012 at Holy Cross Episcopal Church, Sanford with Reverend Rory Harris officiating. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Holy Cross Episcopal Church, 410 S. Magnolia Ave. Sanford, FL 32771. To share a memory with the family visit www.BaldwinCremation.com
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