Coping with Grief
We would like to offer our sincere support to anyone coping with grief. Enter your email below for our complimentary daily grief messages. Messages run for up to one year and you can stop at any time. Your email will not be used for any other purpose.
John Kurt Rae, known to family and friends as Kurt, passed away on April 14, 2026, in Plant City, Florida, at the age of 86. Born on February 24, 1940, in New York, New York, he lived a life marked by wisdom, thoughtfulness, and love, and he will be remembered with deep affection by all who knew him.
Kurt carried himself with quiet strength and a steady sense of purpose throughout his life. He was a man of deep compassion and careful listening, and those who spent time with him often found comfort in his calm presence and thoughtful counsel. He had a gift for making others feel heard and understood, and his warmth touched family, friends, colleagues, and patients alike. His life reflected a steadfast commitment to helping others and to living with dignity, integrity, and grace.
Kurt devoted much of his professional life to the field of psychology, where he worked both in his own practice and at Tampa General and St. Joseph Hospital. In every setting, he brought insight, patience, and a sincere desire to help others navigate life's challenges. His work was more than a career. It was a calling that allowed him to offer guidance, support, and understanding to countless individuals over the years. He was respected not only for his knowledge and skill, but also for the kindness and humanity he brought to his work each day.
A proud United States Marine Corps veteran, Kurt served his country for nine years. His military service was an important part of his life and reflected the discipline, loyalty, and commitment that remained with him always. He carried the values of service and responsibility into every chapter of his life, and those who knew him understood that his sense of duty extended far beyond his years in uniform. He was also a proud member of A.A., a commitment that reflected his honesty, perseverance, and dedication to personal growth and helping others through shared experience.
Family was central to Kurt's life. He is survived by his children, Nancy Green and her husband Mike, and Evan Rae. He also leaves behind two beloved grandchildren, who brought him great joy and pride. He is further survived by his sisters, Nancy Scully and Sandra Doshier, who shared in his life's journey and held a special place in his heart. He was preceded in death by his father, John Kurt Rae, and his mother, Mary McGrath, whose memory remained close to him throughout his life.
Kurt's family and friends will remember him as a wise, thoughtful, and loving man whose presence made life better for those around him. He had a gentle way of speaking, a patient way of listening, and an enduring ability to offer perspective when it was needed most. His legacy lives on in the lives he touched, the guidance he gave, and the example he set through a life lived with sincerity and care.
Though his passing leaves a deep void, Kurt's memory will remain a source of comfort and inspiration to those who loved him. He lived a full and meaningful life, guided by compassion, service, and devotion to others. His family takes solace in knowing that his influence will continue through the lessons he shared, the love he gave, and the many memories that will be cherished for years to come. Services will be held privately.