Mr. Eugene George Curivan

Eugene (Gene) George Curivan died at Lower Keys Medical Center on December 11, 2015 in Key West, Florida at the age of 71. Gene is survived by his daughter, Lisa Ritchie and Son In Law, Scott Ritchie of Marathon, Florida, Daughter In Law, Tracey Curivan of Palm City, Florida, grandchildren; Matthew Curivan, Kody Daniels, Megan Curivan and Noah Daniels, Siblings; Rose Manzella of Beachwood, NJ, Ron Curivan of Freehold, NJ, Betsy Gerb of Brick, NJ and Tee McFaulds of Monroe, NC, Dearest friends; Dolores Reed, Kim Bradley and Stephanie Reed of Newark, NJ. He is preceded in death by his parents; Eugene and Margaret Curivan, his Aunt, Mary McGinty, his loving and devoted wife, Patricia Curivan, his son, Michael Curivan and best friend, Steven Reed. Gene was born on September 22, 1944 in Newark, NJ to Eugene and Margaret Curivan. He was the oldest of five children and quite mischievous as a young boy. He loved to play pranks on everyone, play baseball and tennis and had an undying love for music. He had a hunger for knowledge and loved to read. At the young age of 16 he met the love of his life, Patricia. They later married in June of 1964 and began a beautiful life together. Gene worked in the banking industry as a young man. They made Newark, NJ their home where the couple welcomed their first child, Michael into their lives in 1965. A few years after beginning their family, Gene and Pat decided to move to the Jersey Shore to raise their family. They eventually settled in Ocean Gate, NJ where they welcomed their second child, Lisa in 1971. Gene devoted his life to the love and care of his wife and children. His wife was diagnosed at the age of 27 with a rare form of muscular dystrophy. Gene dedicated the majority of his adult life to the full time care of his wife. This life was not an easy one but Gene and Pat took it on with grace. They created a world that worked for them and went on raising their family, being involved in the community and most importantly, loving and supporting each other. Family was everything to Gene. After the death of his wife in 2006, Gene decided to relocate to Florida to be with his children, He settled in the Stuart/Jensen Beach area which was close to his son, Michael. Gene quickly became involved in this community. He volunteered delivering meals for Meals on Wheels, working in consignment shops, serving food to the homeless at a local church and taking part in the local arts and live music scene. In December of 2014 Gene became quite ill and was hospitalized for two months. It had become obvious to Gene's children that he could not live on his own any longer. On February 1st of 2015, Gene moved to the Florida Keys to live with his daughter, Lisa and her family. Gene spent everyday over the past year surrounded by his family who loved and cared for him and his health. Gene played saxophone, harmonica, guitar and bongos. His main love was the saxophone and he could be found around Jensen Beach daily playing his beautiful music. He and his son would also compose music, spending hours together trying to create just the right sound. He was an avid reader, loved to write poetry and create beautiful collages. As he would say…"It's all art". He had a very witty sense of humor and was quite the storyteller. He loved to tell his grandsons, Kody and Noah funny stories about his life and adventures. Without fail he'd have them laughing and in shock. This unique, one of a kind man will be missed more than words can express. Gene has been cremated and a Celebration of Life is being planned at a future date.