Dear Karban family,

I want to extend my deepest sympathy during this time of excruciating loss. I met Sturges at Deerfield, and he has remained unforgettable in the many years since. He was truly one of a kind. His brilliance, energy, drive, and meaningful connection with all around him made him a bright light during an, at times, complicated and confusing stage of life. I remember clearly his love for his family,  Wishing peace and comfort to all those who love and miss him.  

Sturges was an important friend throughout my time at Deerfield - especially during that first challenging year when we found ourselves in the same dorm. It is so striking to me that at that age had already developed so many of the wonderful qualities of character that others have made clear he continued to deepen and share with the world as the man he became. In fact, it sounds like he was born with them! The behavior that I respected so much, and which is still such a powerful guide for me, was the respect that he seemed to give everyone. He projected immense confidence and was profoundly ambitious, but he never conveyed the sense that he was better than anyone. He was never demeaning or dismissive. He was genuinely interested in honest and engrossing conversation. He was friends with all kinds of people, from all walks of life, and perhaps most strikingly - at all levels of the often rigid and distasteful social structures of a place like Deerfield Academy. He was tremendously generous of heart and treated people with a dignity that he clearly held himself powerfully accountable to. I am so so sad to learn that he is gone. My deepest condolences to his loved ones.

Dear Karban Family,

Sturges was such a profoundly aspirational individual. From the beginning getting to know him meant thinking about the future and trying to master the present. Even the challenges were a way forward. He made my life more vibrant. During our time together at Deerfield it was clear his family was a central part of his identity. Please be proud that you were the inspiration for so many of the wonderful things he accomplished. I tried so many times to reconnect with him since college to no avail. I hope he knew that I always held him in high regard and that I wanted nothing but satisfaction for his restless soul. Thank you for sharing him with us. Sincerely Eduardo Medina. Deerfield 96. 

To the Karban family. 

My time spent over countless nights in conversation with your son influenced me as a human forever. 

We lived in the same dorm for three years and I do believe I spent more time discussing life, music, girls, film, tv, school drama, geo-polítical issues, gossip, politics, literature and every other topic possible with Joseph than anyone else in my time at Deerfield. 

His time here in this world had positive and enduring impact.

Sending all my love in this difficult time.

Justin Sherratt

Very sorry to hear. Sturges taught me martial arts at Deerfield when I was a sophomore, was the leader of our debate team when we took home the trophy in Canada and was the one I always looked up to at school as an exceptional intellect, master of the fine arts, incredible speaker and truly good person. He and I were on student council Freshman year as well. I always looked up to this great man!

Terrible news. Sturges was way ahead of his time. A man among boys at Deerfield Academy. He should have been our next president, and I always thought he would be, but then again, he had to high a level of morality. 

Sturges was among these smartest, most articulate, energetic and hardest working individuals I’ve ever had the pleasure of working with.  I wish he had taken better care of himself; he  will be greatly missed. 

Jonnie, Dr. Karban and Stephanie my deepest condolences.  I met Sturges 10 years ago and we immediately had a connection that led to a friendship that I had never experienced. We fought many business battles and shared many laughs along the way.

As several people have already commented; Sturges was wicked "smaaart" with the ability to adjust to any personality by quickly sizing them up. His email correspondence became legendary at the office. Was this the Bard of Avon reincarnated? Everyone felt belittled by his writing prowess, I even found myself spell checking text messages to measure up to his standards.

Sturg and I traveled all over North America and Europe together for years.

Every time we were in London, Sturg would insist that we go to DUKES for that perfect 007 Martini!

I am completely heartbroken and miss my best friend. I feel blessed that I had the privilege of having known this amazing man.

In closing and as we always said before we traveled "I'll see you on the flip side" Brother.

Love you Sparky.    

Urban

Oh Jonnie, Ed and Stephanie I am so very sorry to just  hear this. So many great fun memories of Joey, then Joe and now Sturge. What a wonderful guy, full of life, taken too soon. Sturge will be greatly missed - Heaven has a new special bright shining star. Love, prayers and comfort to the entire family.

The comfort we have from Christ’s revealed truth is not that it teaches us freedom from sorrow, but that it teaches us freedom through sorrow.

Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, love leaves a memory no one can steal. 🙏🏻

Our birthdays were only 8 days apart. There were several times when I'd be in LA discussing with Sturges one of the several projects we were working on together. And by "we", I mean 95% Sturges. The guy just had boundless energy and an incredible work ethic. Despite how busy he always was, he'd make time for setting up a wonderful dinner for either the two of us, or when others were in town, for everyone. In addition to IQ, Sturges had a wonderful EQ. He was as adept not only at the work component, but also the social component. Miss you buddy. Still in shock you're not with us. 

You left much too soon, Sturges. God bless your family and friends. You'll never be forgotten. 

Dr. Karban I’m so sorry to hear of the passing of your son. Your family is in my prayers. May your son rest in peace. 

Dearest Jonnie,

Please know how heart broken I am over the news of Joey’s ( he will always be Joey to me) death.  I loved him so very much.  What a remarkable life he lead.  I can see him rearranging my garage right now.  He was  special little fellow and I knew all the time that he was destined for great accomplishments . I am in Charlotte, NC and would love to speak to you when the time is convenient for you .

So much love to you and all the family,

Donna Norton

dnorton10@carolina.rr. com

To the family and to all of us who had the pleasure of knowing Sturges,

We were deeply saddened to hear of Sturges passing. Though it has been a couple of years since we last worked together, the news has deeply saddened us, because for some reasons we always thought our road would cross again one day, even to simply say hello.

Sturges was that nice guy that you could never really get angry at, even in tense situations, the neat guy who had the most perfect office, the brave one who was ready to have the tough conversations with a nice soft genuine tone, the determined one that would stand tall to make wrong right again; he was a genuinely kind and caring person whose warmth left a lasting impression on all of us who knew him. 

Please know that Pierre and I are with  your family during this incredibly tough time. Sturges will always be remembered fondly by those of us lucky enough to have known him.

With deepest sympathy,

Pierre and Helene

Goodbye Hug

Uncle Sturge