Kathleen Martinelli OBITUARY
Kathleen Ann (Kurz) Martinelli, 68, of Gilroy, CA, passed away from heat-related causes on September 7, 2024. Kathleen was born June 20, 1956, in Denver, CO, and adopted by James Edward Kurz and Bessie Elizabeth (Crawford) Kurz of Olympia, WA. She graduated from Olympia High School in 1974, then went on to Ball State University, earning a bachelor's degree in journalism and English and a master's degree in public relations. She then earned a Ph.D. from Stanford University in communication theory & research, specializing in political science. Kathleen married the love of her life, Robert "Bob" Martinelli, in Santa Clara County on August 10, 1991. They were happily married for 28 years until Robert's passing in 2019. She was an Associate Professor and undergraduate advisor in the School of Journalism and Mass Communications at San Jose State University, where she taught for over 25 years until her retirement in 2017. Previously, Kathleen was an Assistant Professor of Public Relations at Washington State University and a newspaper reporter for the Muncie Star Press. Kathleen was especially fond of gardening, cooking, golfing, and scuba diving, all hobbies she shared with her late husband Bob. We will always remember her for the love she had for her family and friends, her kindness, and her beautiful laugh. Kathleen is survived by brothers Joseph Kurz of San Diego, CA, Jamie Kurz of Seattle, WA, and Lee Carlson of White Lake, Michigan; and cousins George and Myrlin Taddie of Morgan Hill, CA. Preceding Kathleen in death are her husband, Bob, and parents, James and Bessie. A memorial service will be held Saturday, October 12, 2024 at 1:00 PM at Lima Family Santa Clara Mortuary, 466 North Winchester Blvd, Santa Clara, CA 95050, with Rev. Saju Joseph officiating. Inurnment will be in Santa Clara Mission Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations in Kathleen's memory may be directed to the Stanford Cancer Institute.
