Gregory G. Curtis

Gregory G. Curtis, 82, of Oak Terrace, Durham, beloved husband of 60 years of Kathleen M. (Goddard) Curtis and adored father, died suddenly Sunday, (July 14, 2002) at Middlesex Hospital in Middletown. Besides his wife, Kathleen, he is survived by his four children and their spouses, Gregory and Virginia Curtis of Columbia, MD, Diane and Robert Moore, Doreen and Robert Raney and Brian and Eileen Curtis, all of Durham; his 12 grandchildren, Adam and his wife, Melissa, Sarah and her husband, Darin, Bridget and her husband, Adam, Meredith, Gregory and his wife, Karisa, Jason, Drew, Jennifer, Leah, William, Thomas and Erin; his two great-granddaughters, Madeleine and Isabel; nephew, Glen Curtis and his wife, Marie; a niece, Lynne McKenna and her husband, Timothy; in-laws, Arthur and Evelyn Goddard, Monica Bellafiore and James Goddard; and many dear family members and friends. Gregory was predeceased by a brother, Chester C. Curtis. His strength enriched our lives and leaves us with a deep sense of loss, but enduring love and life. His spirit and joy for living and confidence in the capabilities of others, will live on for all of his family and friends. Gregory served the U.S. Army in the 78th Infantry Division in the European Theater during World War II, achieving the rank of Captain. He received the Bronze Star as an M.P. officer in the capture of the Remagen Bridge, fought in the Battle of the Bulge, and served the 78th Division as Provost Marshal during the occupation of Berlin. Curtis was born in 1919 in New York City, NY to Dr. Charles and Mary Curtis. He received his B.S. in Agronomy from Iowa State University, M.A., in Government from Trinity College, and his Ph.D. in Political Science from the University of Connecticut. He worked for the Soil Conservation Service in New Haven County, and for 21 years served as County Agricultural Agent for Middlesex County with the UConn Cooperative Extension Service. Curtis served in many capacities over the past 54 years while a resident of Durham. He was President of the "Catholic Club" of Durham which raised funds and organized families to help initiate construction of Notre Dame Church, where he served as Trustee for 40 years. During his many years as Chairman of the Durham Conservation Commission, he was instrumental in the acquisition of hundreds of acres of open space land in Durham and obtaining more equitable taxation of farm, forest and open space land. Curtis also served as First Selectman from 1977-79, Selectman for two terms, Chairman of the Regional School District Study Committee, Chairman of the Firehouse Building Committee, member of the Notre Dame Church Rectory Building Committee, Chairman of the Cemetery Association, PTA President and founder of the Scholarship Fund, and member of the Democratic Town Committee and American Legion. Curtis also served as Director, and later President, of the Rockfall Foundation, conceived the Rockfall environmental grants program, and served as a Director for the Lyman Farm, Farmers & Mechanics Savings Bank and Middlesex Hospital. He helped to establish the Connecticut River Estuary Regional Planning Agency and was instrumental in establishing the Connecticut River Gateway Commission. Calling hours will be 5-8 p.m. on Wednesday, July 17, at the Biega Funeral Home, 3 Silver Street, Middletown. A military funeral and Mass of Christian Burial will be held Thursday, July 18, 9 a.m. at Notre Dame Church, Main Street, Durham, followed by burial at Mica Hill Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Connecticut Forest and Park Association or the Rockfall Foundation.