Revered Brooklyn squeegee man dies, leaves lasting legacy

November 27, 2023 Wayne Daren Schneiderman

Garret Kurtz aka “Stevie Windows,” who recently lost his life due to unknown causes, with the Verrazzano Bridge in the background.Photo courtesy of Robbyn Fahey

Garret Kurtz aka “Stevie Windows,” with the Verrazzano Bridge in the background.
Photo courtesy of Robbyn Fahey

Share this:

Garret Kurtz, aka “Stevie Windows,” a beloved staple in the Brooklyn community, has died at the age of 60.

Garret Kurtz shows off his colorful shirt in this photo from an Instagram video.Instagram photo — Garret Kurtz in front of Avenue K Drugs in East Midwood. Instagram photo

Known primarily for his larger than life, animated, and magnetic personality — often singing and dancing while tending to his business of washing windows — Kurtz was also super-driven, and “perhaps the hardest working person I’ve ever seen,” his sister, Robbyn Fahey told the Brooklyn Eagle.

His cause of death was unknown at press time.

Kurtz serviced businesses all over Brooklyn — in Sheepshead Bay, Midwood, Flatbush, Gerritsen Beach, Bay Ridge and other parts of the borough.

“He had a community of people that loved him so much, and he brought such joy and inspiration to them,” Fahey said.

Kurtz, who took on the name “Stevie Windows,” decades ago, simply because he seemed to like the name, was born in Sheepshead Bay in 1963. The youngest of three siblings, he was always considered to be the entertainer and comedian of the family.

Kurtz graduated from Brooklyn College with a degree in nutrition. However, eventually he ended up taking over his father’s window cleaning business, and soon turned it into a thriving venture.

But Kurtz, who never had much time for a family, became somewhat estranged from friends and loved ones as he got a bit older, Fahey explained.

“Something snapped, and he decided to live on the streets,” Fahey said. “He didn’t even have a phone, so there was no way we could really reach him.”

Garret Kurtz in front of Avenue K Drugs in East Midwood. — Garret Kurtz shows off his colorful shirt in this photo from an Instagram video. Instagram photo

Ultimately, Kurtz was found dead in a tent in Midwood on November 12, according to his sister.

“He never drank, smoked or did any drugs,” Fahey said, adding that his passing came as a shock to everyone that knew him.

“Stevie Windows” will best be remembered as a sweet human being who brought joy to everyone he met, she continued. “He was a very good person who genuinely cared about people, loved entertaining them, and had an infectious personality.”

On his Instagram page, @officialsteviewindows, which had approximately 6,500 followers at press time, Kurtz was referred to as a “bright soul,” and “an amazing human being,” as well as “a true Brooklyn legend.”

@Kenkutch wrote that “it’s terrible to lose a real good guy. Always brought a smile to my face. One of the hardest-working men I’ve known. God Bless.”

And @Joeportagallo referred to Kurtz as “smart beyond his years. Wise, compassionate, and honest. Had many conversations with him about life, love, and politics. He was a super unique guy. I will miss his friendship. Rest easy, young man.”