Joseph M. Jurta

Joseph Mark Jurta, 68, of Hill, died at Concord Hospital on November 10, 2024. He is survived by his two children, Melissa Genakos and Jake Jurta, their mother, Tina Jurta, daughter-in-law Amanda Wright and five grandchildren, Lilly Wright, Vanessa Genakos, Karson Genakos, Dylan Jurta and Joey Jurta. He is predeceased by his parents and brother, Jimmy Jurta. Joe was a proud father and husband, talented musician, and loved by his family and many friends. His
strong work ethic is admirable and prominent throughout all areas of his life.

Joe was born in Laconia on November 27, 1955, the son of Janet A. Jurta and John J. Jurta III. Joe was raised in Franklin and a graduate of Franklin High School. Upon graduation he served his country by joining the Army. He began his military days in 1973 at Fort Dix, New Jersey and also served at Fort Aberdeen, Maryland and Fort Benning, Georgia. Sergeant Jurta was an expert Rifleman stationed at Fort Bragg, North Carolina and a member of the 82nd Airborne Division. He was highly skilled at repairing tanks and trucks and jumping out of planes. His final duty was in Fort Devens, Massachusetts where he was in the 10th Special Forces, an elite group of soldiers. The last of his military days was spent overseas serving in 1977 in Germany and while in Europe he enjoyed traveling in France and Switzerland and ventured to the top of the Eiffel tower in Paris.

Joseph married Tina in 1981 and together they raised their children in Laconia, Northfield, Sanbornton, Franklin, and Hill, NH. Joe worked at Swenson Granite as a mechanic for 20 years and excelled at repairing large machinery, cars, and trucks. Joe enjoyed outdoor activities with his family and friends including boating, snowmobiling, fishing and riding ATV’s. Joe continued the family legacy of loving music and performed classic rock in local bands. Music surrounded him and he sang and played many instruments including guitar, drums, harmonica, piano, and accordion. Joe will forever be remembered as an easy-going man who possessed a generous heart and was dedicated to working hard to provide a good life for his family.

In lieu of flowers tax deductible donations in memory of Joe Jurta may be sent to The Snow Traveler Foundation, 600 Laconia Rd, Tilton NH 03276. This is a 501c3 nonprofit organization with a focus on preserving and enhancing the NH snowmobile trail system.