Robert Dale Curry

The Rev. Dr. Robert Dale “Bob” Curry, 81, passed away on January 11, 2026, in Santa Maria, California. A devoted chaplain, pastor, and advocate for incarcerated youth, Bob dedicated his life to service, compassion, and spiritual guidance.
Born on June 10, 1944, in Glendale, California, Bob was the son of Everett W. Curry and Sylvia P. Burkholder Curry. He grew up in southern California and graduated from James Monroe High School in North Hills in 1962. He went on to earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from California State University, Northridge in 1966. Feeling a call to ministry early in life, he pursued theological studies at the American Baptist Seminary of the West in Covina (Now Berkeley School of Theology), where he earned his Master of Divinity in 1969. He later completed a Doctor of Ministry through the Theological Consortium in 1977.
Ordained by the Los Angeles Association of American Baptist Churches USA in 1969, Bob began his ministry as Associate Executive Minister for the American Baptist Churches of Iowa and Minnesota from 1969 to 1971. He then served as pastor of Del Rey Baptist Church in Playa del Rey from 1971 to 1973 before becoming Protestant Chaplain at LA/USC Medical Center from 1973 to 1975. He regularly supplied pulpits for many congregations, including the First United Methodist Church of Paso Robles.
In 1975, Bob accepted what would become his life’s calling: serving as Director of Religious Activities and Chaplain at El Paso de Robles School under the California Youth Authority. For over three decades until his retirement in 2007, he ministered to incarcerated young men with unwavering dedication. His work extended beyond institutional walls—he was deeply committed to supporting these individuals as they re-entered society and worked tirelessly to prepare communities to welcome them back with dignity and hope.
Bob had a particular concern for Native American youth within the correctional system and advocated for culturally sensitive spiritual care. His leadership was recognized nationally; he served as president of the American Correctional Chaplains Association and held various other roles that advanced chaplaincy within correctional settings.
Bob married Susan P. Mayfield Curry in 1967 at Taft, California. With his beloved wife —known affectionately as Sue — Bob created a home that welcomed many who were endangered or had been marginalized by society. Though they did not have biological children, Bob and Sue embraced several generations of the Ojeda and Bravo families as their own and extended familial love to many. Sue’s Mayfield family was at the center of his life, where he served as “the family pastor” providing care at the time of celebrations and critical family events.
Those who knew Bob remember him as caring and deeply serious about helping others find purpose and healing. His wry humor brought levity even during difficult times, endearing him to colleagues and those he served alike.
Bob is survived by his brother Everett W. Curry Jr. (Barbara); nieces Joan J. Fraser (Wayne) and Kimberly S. McSwain (William); nephew Kevin E. Curry (Katie); and six great-nieces and nephews. The Mayfield family is grieving his loss. He is lovingly remembered by the Ojeda and Bravo families. He was preceded in death by his wife Sue (2009); his father Everett W. Curry (2001); and his mother Sylvia P. Burkholder Curry (2011).
A memorial service celebrating Bob’s life will be held on Saturday, April 11, 2026 at 2:30 pm at the First Methodist Church, 915 Creston Rd., Paso Robles, California. A reception will follow. In lieu of flowers, gifts in memory may be directed to Berkeley School of Theology, 2606 Dwight Way, Berkeley, CA 94704 or, Center for Native American Youth, 2300 N Street NW, Suite 700, Washington, DC 20037-1122.
May his memory bring comfort to those who knew him and continue to inspire acts of compassion and justice for generations to come.