Richard M. Curran, Sr., 80, of Mission Hill, died peacefully at home surrounded by his family on October 17, 2023.
A first generation American, Richard was born in 1943 to John & Margaret Curran of Ireland. Richard was the second of five boys raised on Mission Hill. He attended Mission High School before entering the US Air Force. Richard went on to become a bricklayer, and a construction inspector for the City of Boston. Richard took great pride in the city of Boston - especially Mission Hill. He was known for his hilarious stories of growing up on the hill, he was especially gifted at remembering nicknames of friends from long ago and for his “tours” of the city. During any car trip around Boston, Richard would proudly point out every building he or his brothers helped build. Richard knew every street of the city like the back of his hand and loved giving directions, whether you wanted them or not. During his time working for the city, he painted the historic Freedom Trail, plowed snow off most streets in Boston and maintained the historic lighting throughout Beacon Hill. Having such an up-close view of this historic city powered his encyclopedic knowledge of history.
Richard loved his family, friends, his dogs, Trivia Pursuit, strawberry ice cream, Jeopardy, the Cape and especially his grandchildren. He took every opportunity to participate in their lives by attending countless baseball games, dance recitals, regattas, basketball games and theater productions. He even managed to stay awake for some of them. Richard was endlessly proud of all their accomplishments - big or small. He had a mischievous grin, a keen sense of humor, quick wit and was a shining example of generosity, loyalty, and humility. Richard would be complimented, daily, for his gorgeous hair and shining blue eyes. To this he would be quick to explain that he and his brothers were cursed with devastatingly good looks.
Richard is survived by his wife, Mary Jane Curran, his children, and their spouses - Kerry-Ann & Brent Kendall of Wayland, MA, Richard & Nancy Curran of Boston, MA and Brendon & Ami Curran of Rockland, MA. Richard is also survived by his grandchildren - Riley Kendall, Ashley Kendall, Richie Curran III, and Noah Curran. Richard was blessed with a large family which included his dear nephew Marc Skelton, his wife Jessica and their daughters, Nina, and Sallie of New York. He is also survived by his brothers, John Curran (Watertown), Charles (Chuck) Curran of Winthrop, Robert Curran and George Curran of Mission Hill, their spouses and many nieces and nephews. Richard was affectionately known as Papa to many of his grandchildren’s friends. His “spare grandkids” would visit and update him on their sports, animals, travels, and scouting adventures. Papa loved it when the house was full of friends, kids, and family.
A wake will be held on Tuesday, October 24th at Gormley Funeral Home, 2055 Centre Street West Roxbury, MA 02132 from 4:00 - 8:00 pm. Funeral from the funeral home on Wednesday, October 25th at 8:30 am followed by a Funeral Mass in the Basilica of Our Lady of Perpetual Help "Mission Church" 1545 Tremont St. Boston at 10am. In lieu of flowers please consider donating to NF Northeast (https://www.nfnortheast.org). For directions and guestbook gormleyfuneral.com.