Kurt Speckman

Kurt Speckman, DPT, 34, passed away peacefully at his home on May 5, 2018 surrounded by family after a seven-year heroic battle with cancer.  He was born August 18, 1983 in Jacksonville, FL and was a lifelong resident of Atlantic Beach.  He graduated from Fletcher High School and the University of North Florida with degrees in Psychology and Criminology.  He also earned a doctoral degree in Physical Therapy at UNF and worked as a Physical Therapist at Brooks Rehabilitation Center.  He was a devout Catholic and regularly volunteered at his church, St. John the Baptist, in Mayport.  Many people did not know the extent of Kurt’s illness as he never wanted to cause others to worry or feel sad.  This was so typical of Kurt and he will be remembered for his remarkable spirit, intense wit, incredibly positive attitude and his perseverance during his long fight with cancer.  It is amazing to note that through scores of chemotherapy treatments, surgeries and countless medical procedures, Kurt rarely missed a day of class at UNF.  In his work as a Physical Therapist, Kurt’s concern was always for his patients, never focusing on the debilitating effects of his own terminal illness.

Kurt’s focus in life was on others and he wanted everyone to feel good about themselves.  Put simply, Kurt was just a “Sweet Soul”.  His kindness to others, compassion, and sense of humor is evident by the outpouring of support he and his family have received from his friends and colleagues, for which his family is so grateful.  Kurt loved his family, his church, the Jaguars and his rescue dog, Lucy.

Kurt is survived by his parents, Joseph and Maryann, his loving sister, Andria York (Thomas) and his adoring niece, Meara, as well as many close aunts, uncles, cousins and other relatives.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church at 2400 Mayport Road on Friday, May 11, 2018 at 11:00 am with Father Mark Waters presiding.  Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital in Kurt’s name.