John Robert (Sonny) Curtis Jr of New Castle
Passed away on September 17, 2017.
John was born in Chester, PA and was a graduate of Widener College.
Like so many of his era, John was drafted into the Army. He spent time at Fort Gordon, GA and Fort Richardson, AK. In August of 1961, John was honored as Soldier of the Month. After the Army, John met and married the love of his life Carole (Kowalchuk) at Holy Ghost Church in Trainer, PA. They were happily married for 53 years until the time of her death in February of this year. He was a volunteer firefighter and paramedic in Trainer, PA.
He worked for 30 years as a research and development specialist for Scott Paper and was termed “A Jack of all Trades and a Master of them All”. While working for Scott Paper, John was granted a United States Patent 3,381,287 for a safety light flasher for fork lift vehicles.
John enjoyed spending the summer weekends in Sea Isle City, ocean cruises with his wife, and he especially loved spending time visiting or Face Timing with his grandchildren.
He had an incredible singing voice and could carry a note that would give you chills. No one will ever forget him belting out How Great Thou Art, O Holy Night, or any Neal Diamond or Elvis tune with precision and force. During his final weeks he entertained residents at Kentmere with his singing and piano playing. He also dabbled in photography and painting over the years, but most of his time was spent on being a great husband and father. He was always the optimist and will be missed tremendously.
John was preceded in death by his wife of 53 years, Carole A. Curtis, who he lost to cancer; parents, John R. Curtis Sr. and Anastasia (Lewczshyn); sister, Ann Howard; and his first son, John R. Curtis III (Jaybird) who was taken from this earth way too early at the age of 2, a burden he would carry with him over the years.
He is survived by his sons, David A. Curtis of West Grove, PA, Matthew J. Curtis and wife, Tory of Wilmington, DE; niece, Lisa M. Santiago, and her husband, Albert of Williamstown, NJ; and grandchildren, Olivia Lane, Emma Grayce, Mia Sandra, Tyner John Curtis and Enrique and Antonio Santiago.
The family wishes to give a special thank you to the caring staff at Kentmere Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend the Service for John at Krienen-Griffith Funeral Home, 1400 Kirkwood Hwy. Elsmere, DE. on Saturday, September 23 at 10:30. Friends may call at the Funeral Home from 9 to 10:30. Interment will be in Lawn Croft Cemetery, 1000 W Ridge Rd, Marcus Hook, PA 19061

Krienen-Griffith
Funeral Home
302-994-9614
www.delawarefuneral.com