Gerald “Gerry” Francis Curran, age 84, April 27, 2019. Beloved husband of the late Sheila (Sloan). Devoted father of Margaret (David) Wright, Michael (Denise), Maureen, Paul (Janice), and Elizabeth. Adoring grandfather of Kevin and Meghan Wright; Katherine (Sean Collins), Colleen (Jesse Schultz), Sarah and Michael Curran; Kenneth (Rachel) and Kelli Curran; Jack and Maggie (James Mohr) Winfree; Lauren and Courtney Pickworth. Great-grand father of Maddie Curran, Matthew Mohr, Fitzgerald and Callahan Collins.
Gerry was born in Newry, Co. Down, Ireland, January 1, 1935. The nearby Mountains of Mourne remained his favorite place and he cherished sharing the area with wife, children and grandchildren. Raised in Belfast, he set off on his own for America in his early 20s. He often cited becoming a US citizen as one of the greatest moments of his life. Gerry was well known for his humor, charm and frequent malapropism. Blessed with a glorious singing voice, he gladly shared it with anyone with ears.
Before becoming a citizen, he proudly served in the 101st Airborne at Fort Campbell, Kentucky. As a paratrooper, he made over 100 jumps and was awarded numerous marksmanship medals. After his Army service, he returned to Detroit quickly finding work at Ford Motor Company and meeting his wife, Sheila, when their offices played each other in a softball game at Dearborn’s Rotunda Field. Gerry’s final Ford project, and the one of which he was most proud, was working in Police Vehicle Engineering. He worked with police agencies around the world to develop the safest, highest performing vehicles to protect law enforcement officers from local and federal police agencies.
Fiercely proud of being an Irish Catholic from Ulster, Gerry was active in the Knights of Columbus serving as Grand Knight of the Gaylord division and founding the Gaylord division of the Ancient Order of Hibernians – an Irish fraternal organization dedicated to preserving and protecting the traditions of the Catholic Church. He was an avid golfer and enjoyed playing with Sheila, their children, and his many friends.
The Curran family will receive friends Sunday, May 5, 2019, from 1:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at Nelson Funeral Home, 135 N. Center Ave., Gaylord, MI 49735. The Knights of Columbus will be offering a rosary at 6:30 p.m., and a Hibernian tribute will take place after.
A Mass of Christian burial will take place Monday, May 6, 2019 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Mary Cathedral, Gaylord, MI., with a visitation beginning at 9:00 a.m.
7 comments on “Gerald Curran”
To the family of Gerry, we offer our condolences to all of you, know that you are in our prayers. Gerry was a good friend and will be remembered always.
RIP good friend.
Goodbye my sweet Irish! I will miss you and many things about you. You were a fine man.
What a great friend he blessed me with great songs and memories like me of our team in the service. My life was better because of sharing it with a man who I call a very friend.
Gerry, we will truly miss you! What a kind man, full of love, who always gave back to others!!
We were neighbours of Gerry and Sheila when they lived on Snow Owl. We shared a lot of good times together Rest in peace Gerry.
Tommie Preniczky
Rest in peace Gerry. Our many years as Brother Knights together, the activities and a lot of fun will always be cherished.
I’m so sorry to hear this!!!!!!…. I loved Gerry while I was working at Michawye.. RIP