Kurt Glantz

Kurt Glantz, formerly of Marie Street in Livonia, passed away January 23, 2026, soon after his 64th birthday January 6, the Epiphany.

Kurt was born in 1962. His loving and patient parents Roberta and Robert A. Glantz refused to institutionalize him for his disability. They taught his siblings Miriam and Alan that Kurt was a real person who deserved a rewarding meaningful life. Kurt radiated love, especially love of family. We can all learn from his genuine empathy and amazing compassion. He never was clouded by jealousy. Kurt spread the sunshine of gratitude and recognized the good of all people who come into his orbit.

Kurt had a life long special bond with his maternal Grandmother Marie Bentley who was 72 when he was born. Kurt and JoAnne, the wife of his brother Alan, became particularly close over 32 years. Kurt enjoyed any time spent with Miriam’s husbands Terry and the late Al Verbick. Kurt joyously anticipated and especially graced any visit with his aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews. He adored his dad’s sister, the late Evelyn Wiser, and cousins Laurel, Bud (deceased), Patti and Paul. His friendships over the years were numerous and uplifting.

Kurt completed his formal education at the Northwest Skill Center June 8, 1988. He then participated in supported employment guided by job coaches from STEP- Services to enhance potential, until retirement in January 2021. Kurt was proud of working for over a decade at DQB- Detroit Quality Brush.

Starting in 1993 Kurt lived in 2 different 16-person group homes with 24/7 staff. He easily made friends in housing for Exceptional People Burgess and Livonia Opportunity House. By 2007 he was ready for more autonomy and activities, when his most heartfelt dream come true: A home of my own on Marie Street in Livonia with his soon-to-be best friend ever: Tom Swales. This was facilitated in great part by Tom’s large and loving family who adopted Kurt as an honorary brother. Kurt even spoke at the Arc Northwest encouraging other develop- mentally disabled people who needed round the clock staff to try supported independent living.

In their own home Kurt and Tom enjoyed the best years of their lives. They gardened and cooked. They invited abundant family and friends to their home for celebrations of birthdays and holidays and large outdoor picnics. They went on frequent field trips to zoos, parks and Tiger’s games. They were both avid bowlers and enthusiastic Special Olympians. Kurt continued to win countless medals in track and field until he was 55!

Eventually Don Ledoski, another mild-mannered fun-loving gentleman joined Kurt and Tom. He fit perfectly into their cheerful environment of oldies dance music and old time TV. The 3 friends took love and laughter wherever they went, especially at the Potters Wheel Sunday School at Ward Presbyterian Church. They were known for their joyful singing and looked forward to their roles in the annual Christmas Nativity Pageant.

When his beloved housemates passed away Kurt’s health declined. He found comfort in friendship with the late Victor Sullivan, continued attendance at Potters Wheel, and visits from his family. Kurt was empathetic and kind to his caregiving staff until the end.

His family encourages donations in memory of Kurt Glantz to:

1. 1) The Arc Northwest Wayne County

7170 N. Haggerty Rd, Canton, MI 48187

1. 2) STEP- Services to Enhance Potential
2. 3) Special Olympics Michigan