Methuen, MA- James W. Curley, 81, died Wednesday, February 18, 2009 at his home, surrounded by his family. Born and educated in Dorchester, James was the son of Francis and Winifred (Feeley) Curley.
James joined the Army after high-school, where he was an instructor of mountain climbing and part of the ski- patrol. He was extremely proud to be a veteran of the United States Army. For 36 years, James worked as a custodian for the Malden School Department, where he was well loved by the staff and students. He was a member of the Methuen Post 122 American Legion, as well as Arnold Greenwood Post #8349 VFW (Veterans of Foreign Wars).
James enjoyed gardening and took pride in having a green lawn. He was a family man who enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and great grandchildren.
James is survived by his wife of 19 years, Patricia (Griffin) , his daughter, Barbara and her husband Vincent Bettano of Methuen, son, Michael Curley of Malden and his daughter-in-law Barbara Curley, 5 brothers, Francis, George, Johnny, Paul and Michael Curley. He also leaves behind his grandchildren, Scott and Brian Bettano, and Krysten and her husband James Reynolds, as well as his 4 great-grandchildren Amelia, Kaelib, Austyn, and Jordyn, as well as several nieces and nephews. James was pre-deceased by his son James Curley Jr., his sister Alice Curley and his late wife, Barbara Curley.
ARRANGEMENTS: Friends and family may pay their respects on Sunday, February 22, 2009 from 4-8 at the Kenneth h. pollard Funeral Home, 233 Lawrence St., Methuen. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Monday morning, February 23 at 11 o’clock at Our Lady of Good Counsel Parish/St. Theresa’s Church in Methuen with burial to follow Puritan Lawn Cemetery in Peabody. As an expression of sympathy, those who wish may make donations in James name to the Merrimack Valley Hospice, 360 Merrimack St., BLDG 9, Lawrence, MA 01843.