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Stephen Curtis Obituary
Virginia Beach - Capt. Stephen Patrick Curtis (USN, Ret.), 62, passed away on November 15, 2017 surrounded by his loving family. He was a native of Decatur, IL, and the son of the late Jerry E. & Rosemary Jobe Curtis. A 1978 graduate of the United States Naval Academy, he was commissioned an Ensign in the Navy by then President, the Honorable Jimmy Carter. In 1996 Capt. Curtis earned his Master of Arts degree from the Naval War College, Newport, RI. During his 30 years of services to the United States Navy his commands included: Executive Officer of the Mount Whitney and Commanding Officer of the USS Trenton. From 1998 to 2000 he assumed duties, as Commander, Maritime Prepositioning Ship Squadron ONE for a one-year period. Over the final three years of his active duty service, Capt. Curtis served as Commander, Military Sealift Command, Atlantic/Commander, Naval Fleet Auxiliary Force East and, subsequently, as the director, Ship Support, Sealift Logistics Command, Atlantic. In June 1995, Capt. Curtis participated in the coordinated and successful rescue of USAF Capt. Scott O'Grady, whom had been shot down behind enemy lines in Bosnia. Capt. Curtis retired from active duty service in April 2006, and at the time of his death Capt. Curtis was employed with CSRA as a Defense Contractor.
Capt. Curtis' personal awards include the Legion of Merit, the Meritorious Service Medal with two Gold Stars, the Navy Commendation Medal with Gold Star, and the Navy Achievement Medal with Gold Star.
In addition to his illustrious military career, Capt. Curtis was a loving and supportive father, husband, and grandfather. He will be remembered for his craftsmanship, love of travel, and lifelong love of sports, He was an avid St. Louis Cardinals Baseball fan.
Capt. Curtis is survived by his loving wife Winifred, two sons James Curtis and his wife Heather and Benjamin Curtis and his wife Michelle. Claire McNally, Brian Millar. Three siblings; G. Michael Curtis, Julie Danenberger and her husband Steven, Jill Heick and her husband Martin. He will also be missed by 13 grandchildren, numerous nieces, nephews and co-workers.
A graveservice celebrating Capt. Curtis' life will be held at 11:00 am, Tuesday, November 21, 2017, in the Phoebus Section, of Hampton Nation Cemetery, located on W. County St. Hampton Virginia. The family will receive friends Monday from 5:00 until 7:00 pm at Turing Point Church, 2641 Princess Anne Road, Virginia Beach.
A Celebration of Life Gathering will be held in Decatur, IL, at a future date to be announced.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Multiple Myeloma Foundation, https://www.themmrf.org/donate-to-mmrf/ or donor's choice.
Condolences maybe offered at waltonfuneralhome.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
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Caroline Learie
November 15, 2020
Miss our wee days a Inverclyde Navy Club here in Greenock Scotland Pat always looked forwardDuncan & I always looked forward to your visit's .RIPCaptain
jim DeGree
November 22, 2017
I am really saddened by this news of Pat's death. Pat and I (with Jeff Gagne and Dean Marzetta) were roommates throughout our year at the Naval Academy Prep School in Bainbridge during the school year of 1974. We started that year at NAPS with over 430 'midshipman candidates' and graduated just over 200 - a lot of attrition. One of the reasons the 4 of us stuck it our at NAPs - and we all ended up graduating from the Naval Academy - was because of Pat. Affectionally known as 'FAT PAT' - Pat was the rock in our room who always had a positive word to say when any of the rest of us thought about dropping out.
He was always up to something - and keeping us laughing. A great athlete - his solid build helped him in every thing he attempted on the athletic field (to include wrestling mat). Like most of us - Pat was at the Prep School because of his athletic ability - with the ultimate goal of passing our courses to gain a nomination to the Naval Academy.
Pat was the kind of guy who would do anything for a shipmate - he had a huge heart, and an infectious laugh tied to a warm sense of humor. He took me with him to spend Easter in 1974 with his family to Chicago - it was one of the highlights of my year at NAPS.
Being in a different company at the Naval Academy, I didn't see a lot of Pat during our 4 years at Annapolis; however, we did run into each other in Hawaii one evening when both of our ships were docked in Pearl Harbor. It was like old times - needless to say, our evening was filled with a lot of laughs and adventures.
Fat Pat - one of a kind - a great person who enjoyed a very successful naval career reaching the rank of Captain (0-6)...you'll be missed buddy.
Jerry Schill, CAPT USN (Ret)
November 22, 2017
Alice and I send or deepest condolences to the Curtis family. Pat always maintained the perfect blend of good humor, deep conviction, and valued knowledge. He was my CSO at Phibron Eight and someone I trusted through thick and thin. He always had my back. All those things and a Cardinal fan as well. He will be missed.
November 21, 2017
I served on the Trenton and he must have been before my time got out in 03.
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Ted Kistler
November 21, 2017
RIP Captain Curtis, one of the best commanding officers I ever worked for. Captain Curtis was for sailors and their families. I had the privilege of him frocking me to SCPO and MCPO. Captain Curtis will be missed. RIP Sir we have the watch. Ted Kistler OSCM (SW/AW) USN Retired
Gordon Holder
November 21, 2017
Steve was Commanding Officer of USS Trenton during my tenure as CPG2. He did a great job with an old ship. He will be missed. Condolences to the family.
Veronica Mulholland
November 21, 2017
we will always remember you Pat as a warm and welcolming gentleman, may you rest in peace
November 21, 2017
Sincere Condolences for a much loved Brother-in-law & friend .He will be sorely missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him,he was a wonderful loving Husband to our Sister Winnie.....Eternal rest grant unto him O Lord,may he rest in peace Amen....From Janet Hughie & Family x
Keith Midgette
November 20, 2017
I am profoundly saddened by the loss of Pat, we served together on USS MOUNT WHITNEY when it was still Second Fleet Flagship. His professionalism and consistent good humor even in the most difficult circumstances made him a joy to work for and with. Lori and I send our prayers and sincerest condolences to the family. Fair winds and following seas shipmate.
Caroline Learie
November 20, 2017
Everyone at the Greenock Navy Club who had the pleasure of meeting Pat sends their condolences. Was an Honour to have met such a lovely guy' they were all saying.
Duncan myself & family are really broke & will forever remember Pat. Xx
Manrolino (Roland) de Leon
November 20, 2017
REST-IN-PEACE
Manrolino (Roland) de Leon
November 20, 2017
My deepest sympathy to the Curtis family.
Although I did not get to see much of Pat at the Academy, my thoughts and remembrance of him were during our time at NAPS '74. We were in the same Company 1 and he always had a great sense of humor, attitude and was very well liked by his classmates.
He and Tom Danessa were buddies who always created some activities to keep us laughing and smiling.
He was known to us as "thick" because of his muscular frame.
Pat, at times, joined our push-up contests using a deck of cards after our study hours.
Well "Thick", may you rest-in-peace!!
Definitely an honor having crossed path and serving this country with a special individual.
He will be missed!
November 20, 2017
I'm sorry, Pat was one of my NAPS roommates.
Jeff Gagne
November 20, 2017
Jill,
Your family at MHS were very saddened at this news. We know your brother will be missed by many. Please accept our sincere condolences at this sad time.
Much love,
Your MHS Family
Marcus Fisk
November 20, 2017
I am a Naval Academy classmate (1978) of Pat Curtis. He and I shared many classes together during our 'fours years by the bay' and his sense of humor and bright disposition were a keystone to his reputation at the Academy. Our paths crossed occasionally during our Navy careers and at reunions and it was as if time had stood still. My sincere condolences to the Curtis family but you may carry the thought that he was loved and respected by his shipmates and especially his Naval Academy classmates.
Arthur Nuno
November 19, 2017
I wish to express my deep and sincere message of condolence to all the Curtis family. My friend Pat was a family man who deeply loved his wife, sons and Grandchildren. He was a patriot who spent a major portion of his life supporting, defending and sacrificing for his country and Navy. Pat will be sorely missed by countless friends here and around the globe. Pat was a strong man who didn't complain even when many of us would. God bless you my friend, Fair winds and following seas.
Mary Schlee
November 19, 2017
My thoughts and prayers are with you and the family. So very sorry to hear about the loss of your beloved husband. May he rest in peace.
Kevin Brunner
November 19, 2017
The MSC afloat team sends its condolences and prayers to Winnie and the Curtis family. Pat was a good man and a fine Naval Officer. We grieve with you at his loss and celebrate the good he brought to his family, his country and his community.
Charlotte Harris
November 19, 2017
To the entire Curtis family, I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
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