Joseph L. “Cliff” Curry, 78, of West Pittston, passed away at home, Monday, January 23, 2023.
Born in Pittston on May 10, 1944, he was the son of the late Walter and Geraldine Clifford Curry.
Joseph was a graduate of Scranton Preparatory School, the University of Scranton, and he took graduate courses at Marywood University, where he met the love of his life, Rosemary Revak Curry, his wife of 52 years.
His teaching career started at Oxford Academy in New York, and then he came back to Northeast Pennsylvania and finished his career of 34 years at Pittston Area High School. His former students and colleagues are well aware of the passion, knowledge, and sense of humor with which Mr. Curry delivered his lessons daily. He also taught at his alma mater, Scranton Prep, and at Lackawanna College.
Joe Curry was also extremely active in PIAA sports. He officiated basketball, swimming, and track and field from junior high to Division 3 College. He served as Secretary, Vice President, and President of the Wyoming Valley Track and Field Officials Association. For five years he was the head timer at the state track meet. Joe also served as a member of the District 2 Track and Field Committee. In addition, he served as Vice President and President of the Lackawanna County Swimming Officials Association, he was the starter for the district swim meet, and he was a District 2 meet referee.
Joseph Curry was legendary in the Greater Pittston community. He was the founder and first president of the Greater Pittston Stoners Youth Soccer Association. He was the founder and first head coach of the Pittston Area Soccer Team, and for many years he served as the “Voice of the Patriots” for both the football and basketball teams. He also served as a member and Chairman of the Jenkins Township Recreation Board, and as the Zoning and Code Enforcement Officer for Jenkins Township. He was also a member, past President, and a Lifetime Achievement Award winner of the Ancient Order of Hibernians Division #4 in Avoca. Joseph and his wife were also members of Fox Hill Country Club.
“Cliff” was a lifelong Phillies fan, a talented guitar player, and an avid cruiser who had traveled with Rosemary to all seven continents. He was a loyal friend and man of principle, and he could deliver a story with his classic Irish wit that would make his Clifford and Curry ancestors proud. But in spite of all of these lifelong accomplishments, his greatest source of pride was his family. He was so proud of his three children and his nine grandchildren. He loved his wife, kids, and grandkids unconditionally.
He is survived by his wife, Rosemary Revak Curry; sons, Sean (Denise) Curry, Moscow; Brian (Julie) Curry, Warrenton, VA; daughter, Kathryn (Carl) Puskar, Dallas; grandchildren, Michelle, Christopher, and Hannah Curry; Andrew, Patrick, Evan and Connor Curry; and Ava and Elin Puskar; brother, Peter (Maureen) Curry, NJ; sister, Mary Theresa (John James) Chisdock, Moosic; numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
The family will receive relatives and friends, Friday, January 27, 2023, from 4pm-7pm in Adonizio Funeral Home, LLC, 251 William Street, Pittston. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Saturday, January 28, 2023, at 9:30am in St. John Evangelist Church, 35 William Street, Pittston. Those attending are asked to go directly to the church on Saturday morning. Interment will follow in Mount Olivet Cemetery, Carverton. Memorial donations may be made to Hospice of the Sacred Heart or to Care and Concern Ministries of St. John the Evangelist Church.