John J. Jurta, III, 88, of Franklin, died at Franklin Regional Hospital on February 8, 2021.

He was born in New York City on January 1, 1933 the son of John J. Jurta, Jr. and Amalyia (Macica) Jurta.  John was raised in Franklin and was a graduate of Franklin High School.   He served in the US Army during the Korean War.

He worked with his dad for several years and later owned and operated John J. Jurta Construction for many years.    He enjoyed working on vehicles, including his antique car.

Before COVID, he and his wife enjoyed going to McDonalds and chatting with their friends.

One dear friend was Robert French, “Frenchy the Frog,” whom he would call and say “Hello, Brother Frog,” and Frenchy would answer “Hello, Brother John.” It was a friendship that spanned many years.

Family members include his wife of 31 years, Audrey (Keyser) Jurta of Franklin; sons Joseph Jurta of Hill and David Margiotti of Andover; stepchildren Debra Parenteau of Franklin, Kenneth Paige of Warren, Edward Paige of Sanbornton, and Angela Belville of Alexandria; grandchildren and great-grandchildren; brothers Frank Jurta of East Andover and Robert Jurta of Gilford; sisters Helen Rosetti of Biloxi, Mississippi and Patricia Jurta of Locust Grove, Virginia; and nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his parents; a son, John “Jimmy” J. Jurta IV in 2015; a brother, Bernard Kollar; and a sister, Lilian Blalock.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Paul Church in Franklin, followed by burial in St. John Cemetery in Tilton in the spring.

Donations in memory of John may be made to St. Gabriel Parish, PO Box 490, Franklin NH 03235.

Thibault-Neun Funeral Home in Franklin is assisting with arrangements.  For an online guestbook, please visit NeunFuneralHomes.com.