Obituary of Leslie Curtiss Sr

Leslie Gerald "Jerry" Curtiss, Sr., age 74 of Milford, beloved husband of Cora (Martin) Curtiss, died peacefully on the morning of May 22, 2013 after a very brief battle with cancer. He was born in 1938 in Derby, CT, the son of late Leslie and Elsie (Pope) Curtiss. Raised in Oxford and Seymour, CT, he was a 1956 graduate of Seymour High School. He studied engineering at Northridge University, UCLA School of Engineering. He lived for a time in Rutland, VT, Los Angeles, CA and Albuquerque, NM before returning to Windsor, CT to serve as the resident Maintenance Director of Camp Shalom of the (Mandell) Greater Hartford Jewish Community Center from 1978-1992. Previously he worked with his father who owned Independent Heating and Cooling, and also for Broadway Department stores in CA and NM as a construction engineer. He was recognized as Engineer of the Year in 1974 by Broadway Dept. Stores for his dedication and contributions to building the Corando Plaza, one of the first glass enclosed malls in NM. He eventually retired to Milford, CT where he spent his remaining days with his beloved wife, Cora, of nearly 46 years. He lovingly cared for his parents until their passing just three years ago. Jerry enjoyed fishing with his buddies, being outdoors, tinkering in his workshop, tending to his flower gardens, meeting with dear friends from the Seymour High School class of 1956 and most of all, spending time with his family. In addition to his wife of nearly 46 years, he is survived by five devoted children, Lorrie Curtiss and friend Sarah Walling of Vernon, Leslie G. and Lisa Curtiss, Jr. of Ansonia, David and Donna Curtiss of Naugatuck, Rev. Charlene and James Corbett of East Granby, Sioux and Thomas Wilusz of Barkhamsted; thirteen cherished grandchildren and four great-grandchildren; his uncle and aunt Charles and Isabelle Curtiss of Oxford; as well as several cousins and many dear friends. His family will receive relatives and friends on Tuesday, May 28, 2013, from 4:00 to7:00 PM at the Wakelee Memorial Funeral Home, 167 Wakelee Ave., Ansonia. A Service of Remembrance Celebrating Jerry's life will follow at 7:00 P.M. with the Rev. Douglas Clark officiating. A Graveside Service will be held privately at the discretion of the family. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to The Connecticut Hospice, Inc., 100 Double Beach Rd., Branford, CT 06405 or to CFE/Save the Sound, 142 Temple Street, Suite 305, New Haven, CT 06510. Online condolences may be made at www.wakeleememorial.com.