James F. Curran

James F. Curran, 92, a decorated U.S. Army combat veteran of World War II, the father of five who was known lovingly by his grandchildren as “Slim” and an active volunteer in New Cumberland for decades died Saturday, December 31st at Hospice and Community Care in Mount Joy with his wife of 66 years, Cathy, at his side.

Jim had a well-earned reputation for his never-ending supply of one-liners and jokes that bought smiles to his neighbors, fellow parishioners, his colleagues at the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and, occasionally to complete strangers.

Jim was born in Brooklyn, New York May 29, 1924. He was raised in Jenkintown, PA. He was the son of Margaret Barry Curran and Francis J. Curran, DDS. He attended Immaculate Conception Elementary School and North Catholic High School. Jim enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1942 where he served as a Sargent in the 69th Infantry Division. The 69th saw action across France, Belgium and Germany. He was awarded the Bronze Star Medal for his actions in combat.

After returning home from the war Jim earned a BA from his beloved LaSalle University and a MA from University of Pennsylvania. Jim worked for 32 years for the Commonwealth of PA in what was formerly the Commerce Department. Jim was the Commonwealth’s first Small Business Ombudsman.

Jim served his community in many ways. For 30 years he was a member of the New Cumberland Planning Commission. He was a board member with the former Tri-County Catholic Service Committee and the Cumberland County Office of Aging and was a long term volunteer with West Shore Meals on Wheels and Channels Food Rescue. Jim was also a member of The Bumblers.

In addition to his wife Catherine Teefy Curran, Jim is survived by his sister Helen Warren of Princeton ; children Christina (Mark McGovern) of Brooklyn, NY, Denise (Michael Baxter, MD) of Mohnton, PA, Mark (Margie Straub) of Chester, VT, Sally (Alan Crawford) of Richmond, VA and Faith (Peter Shelly) of New Cumberland; 14 grandchildren, Nia (Dan Kalagvano) and Ian McGovern, Molly Arnold (Chad), Andy and Addie Baxter, Miles, Oliver, James and Spencer Curran, Ned and Tim Crawford and Deirdre, Jack and Nora Shelly; two great granddaughters, August Kalagvano and Eleanor Arnold and 31 nieces and nephews.

Jim is predeceased by sisters Joan O’Neill, Jane McIlvaine and Patricia Monahan.

A visitation will be held from 5 – 7 p.m. Friday, January 6th at Parthemore Funeral Home in New Cumberland. A funeral Mass will be held Saturday, January 7th at 11:00 a.m. at St. Theresa Catholic Church in New Cumberland.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations can be made to the Maryknoll Sisters; PO Box 317, Maryknoll NY 10545 or St. Theresa Parish, 1300 Bridge St. New Cumberland, PA 17070