PFC George A. Curley Jr. (1932–1951)
Korean War Hero Identified and Honored After More Than 70 Years
After more than seven decades listed as Missing in Action, the remains of the U.S. Army Private First-Class George A. Curley Jr., of Laconia, New Hampshire, were positively identified on March 3, 2025. He will now return home to be laid to rest.
Born on May 9, 1932, to George Arthur Curley, Sr. and Almeda May “Ida” Couture, he was their only child and grew up in Laconia. He attended Sacred Heart Catholic School, was a Boy Scout and a very active boy who loved winter sports. He enjoyed ice fishing, and was an accomplished skier and ski jumper. He drove the company Jeep and enthusiastically worked alongside his father having learned to operate the heavy earth moving equipment of the family business.
With his father’s consent he enlisted in the NH National Guard in June 1948 and was later assigned to the Headquarters and Service Company, 2nd Engineer Combat Battalion, 2nd Infantry Division.
PFC Curley was just 18 years old when he was captured. He died in captivity at POW Camp 5 near Pyoktong, DPRK, in March of 1951.
His parents passed away never knowing the fate of their son's remains. His return brings long-awaited closure to his family, the community of Laconia, and a grateful nation.
Calling Hours will be held on Friday, June 27, 2025 from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. in the Carriage House at Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home, 164 Pleasant Street, Laconia, NH.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, June 28, 2025 at 10:00 a.m., at St. Andre Bessette Parish - Sacred Heart Church, 291 Union Ave, Laconia, NH.
A Graveside Service with Military Honors will be held directly after the Mass at Union Cemetery, Academy Street, Laconia, NH. PFC Curley will be interred beside his parents and grandparents.
Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home & Cremation Services/603Cremations.com, Laconia, NH, is assisting the family with arrangements. For more information and to view an online memorial, please visit wilkinsonbeane.com.