JOSEPH R. CURRY

1933 - 2014

CURRY, Joseph R., Ed.D. 81, former longtime Headmaster of Cushing Academy in Ashburnham, passed away on December 12, 2014. He was born in Clover, SC, on February 27, 1933, the son of Grady Webster Curry and Maude Jackson Curry. He is survived by two daughters, Lisa Curry, J.D., of Randolph, NJ and Dana M. Curry Lorway Ed.D., of Princeton, MA; one sister, Febra Jane Curry Hammond, of Mayesville, SC; two grandchildren, Savannah Grace Curry Grant and Breton Liadan Pauline Lorway; a loving aunt, Jean Jackson of Clover, SC; nephews, nieces, cousins, and other relatives and dear friends. He was predeceased by his wife of 43 years, Jeannette P. (Powell) Curry, who died in 2000 and a brother, the Rev. Webster Curry. Dr. Curry graduated form Clover High School, the Citadel, and the Military College of South Carolina, with a commission to the U.S. Army, attaining the rank of Captain. He was honorably discharged in 1964. Dr. Curry went on to receive degrees from the Harvard University Divinity School, receiving a Masters Degree and Trinity College, receiving an M.A. He earned his Doctorate in Education from U. Mass, Amherst in 1971. He taught history and wrestling at the Mount Hermon School in Gill, MA, from 1961 to 1971 and also served as Director of its Summer School. In 1972, Dr. Curry was named the 9th Headmaster of Cushing Academy in Ashburnham, MA, a position he held for 28 years, retiring in 2000. Included in his lasting legacy are the enhancement of the school's endowment and curriculum, introduction of a summer session, and a pioneering program for students with learning-style differences, as well as enhancement of the international diversity of the student body. The Joseph R. Curry Academic Center, and an endowed scholarship bear his name to his contributions to Cushing. In 1988, Dr. Curry co-founded the Native American Preparatory School for Native American Students, a summer program. In recognition of his leadership, he received the Chief Manuelito Award from the Navajo Nation, one of its highest awards. Dr. Curry's Funeral will be held on Wednesday, Dec. 17, at 11 a.m. in the Ashburnham Community Church, 84 Main St., Ashburnham, MA, with the Rev. Charles Mansfield officiating. Burial with Full Military Honors, will follow in New Cemetery, Ashburnham, MA. Calling hours will be on Tuesday, Dec. 16, from 3 to 5 and 7 to 9 p.m. in the Westminster Chapel of the Sawyer-Miller-Masciarelli Funeral Home, 123 Main St., WESTMINSTER, MA. Memorial Contributions, in his memory, may be made to the Harvard University Graduate School of Education, 13 Appian Way, Cambridge, MA 02138 or to Harvard University Divinity School, 45 Francis Ave., Cambridge, MA 02138 or may be left at the Funeral Home. See www.masciarellifamilyfuneralhomes.net for further information