Kurt M. Axelsson Sr. Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

AXELSSON Sr., Kurt M. -76, of Cape May passed away unexpectedly with his family by his side on Wednesday evening, May 20, 2015. Kurt was born and raised in Cape May and attended Wildwood Catholic High School where he excelled in Basketball. He went on to SUNY Maritime College earning his Bachelor’s degree. Kurt further excelled in basketball not only as team captain but also for holding the record for most points scored in four years. He was inducted into the Hall Of Fame in 1978. Upon graduating, Kurt sailed for the Merchant Marines and then joined the US Navy. After completing Officer Candidate School (OCS) he became a Naval Aviator, earning his wings. Kurt became a Patrol Plane Commander\AEWRON FOUR Hurricane Hunter. After proudly serving his country, Kurt became a Pan-American Airline pilot, residing in West Berlin, Germany. Kurt also flew for World Airways. At the end of the Vietnam Conflict, Kurt flew commercial airliners in the assistance of the evacuation of Saigon. During his flying career, Kurt and his family also built Axelsson’s Blue Claw Restaurant & The Clipper Ship Pub, where he remained actively involved until his untimely passing. Kurt’s passion for flying afforded him the opportunity to travel throughout the world, often taking his family with him. Besides spending time with his family, Kurt loved hunting, sailing on his boat the Mon Ami (my friend), and golfing. He is predeceased by his parents, Bror Eric Axelsson and Anne Axelsson (nee Roseman); his daughter, Keri Marie Axelsson; sister, Margot Axelsson and his brother, Capt. Richard Axelsson. Kurt is dearly missed by his loving family which includes his wife of 52 years, Cecelia; two sons, Kurt (and Kathryn) Axelsson and Michael Axelsson; sister, Ellen Kelley; brother, Capt. Michael (and Barbara) Axelsson; sisters-in-law, Mary Axelsson and Claire Reade; brother-in-law, Lawrence (and Jane) Reade; four grandchildren, Justine (and Tyler), Lindsey, Catie and Connor; two great grandsons, Joseph Moran and River Henry “Hank” King. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday (May 27th) at 1:30pm in Our Lady Star of the Sea Church, 525 Washington St., Cape May where friends will be received from 12:15pm to 1:30pm. Private interment will follow Mass. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to: Flying Kites, online at www.flyingkites.org or to your favorite charity. - Even though this website offers options of sending flowers, please observe the family's request to send a memorial contribution. -

Kurt M. Axelsson Sr.

May 5, 1939 - May 20, 2015