Joseph A. Curinga

It is hard to believe that it's been 14 years since you left us my friend. I think of you often, especially at this time of year. You welcomed me aboard USS Nassau this very week in 1997 and exactly ten years later I attended your funeral. I will never forget your kindness, your humor or your friendship. Behave yourself up there or St Peter will have you standing gate guard every day.

In My Pocket

I have memories in my pocket.
They rattle among the change.

My memories of you are treasures I carry wherever I go.

They are stored in bits and pieces, parts of a beautiful whole
They give me comfort when I think I am alone.

Yes, I have memories in my pocket, like so much other stuff I keep there.

But of all the treasures I have, it’s the memories of you that are the most precious.

When you first came into my life

I had no idea how easy you would be to talk to, and I never imagined that our early conversations would grow into such a strong friendship.
I never suspected that we'd discover so many common interests and values, or that I could ever enjoy simple pleasures as much as when they are shared with you.
I never thought we'd have so many warm and happy times together, or that your compassion would help so much to ease me through the rougher times.
I...

Happy Birthday Joe. I could let the day go by without letting you know that you are still thought of all the time and missed more than you can imagine. There are still times that I go to pick up the phone to call you or let you know the Flyers are on. You may be gone but you will never be forgotten!

Sitting here remembering,
The smile upon your face
And how it made the world light up
You were full of heavenly grace.

No longer can I see your face
For you are with God above
But your loving smile will always be
Tucked in my heart with love.

I know you wouldn’t want to see
Me crying the way I do,
But losing you was a part of me
And days, I can’t make it through.

Do you hear me crying?
It’s because some days I’m down
I look around for...

Don't think of him as gone away his journey's just begun,
life holds so many facets...this earth is only one.
Just think of him as resting from the sorrows and the tears in a place of warmth and comfort where there are no days and years.
Think of how he must be wishing that we could know today how nothing but our sadness can really pass away.
And think of him as living in the hearts of those he touched...for nothing loved is ever lost....and he was loved so much.

As far as my eyes can see
There are shadows approaching me
And to those I left behind
I wanted you to know
You've always shared my deepest thoughts
You follow where I go

And oh when I'm old and wise
BItter words mean little to me
Autumn winds will blow right through me
And someday in the mist of time
When they asked me if I knew you
I'd smile and say you were a friend of mine
And the sadness would be lifted from my eyes
Oh when I'm old and...

RPC was my Chief during my tour at Little Creek (99-01) and words cannot express how much he taught me in that short time. I use his leadership methods and philosophies to this day. In fact, raved about and quoted him two weeks ago to my Department Head. The Navy lost so much when he retired, and now the world will be a lesser place without him.

I had the pleasure of working with Joe, on the USS NASSAU. We had some very funny days that i will always remember. We have truly lost a very funny CPO! May GOD him and those who are left behind.

Troy Trotter and Family
ABFCS (AW/SW) Retired