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BORN
1942
DIED
2016
Michael McCurdy Obituary
1942 - 2016 Michael Charles McCurdy, 74, a long-time resident of Great Barrington, died May 28 at his Springfield home. Born February 17, 1942 in New York City to Beatrice and Charles McCurdy, he attended Marblehead schools and received his BFA and MFA from Tufts University. As a teacher, book artist, and author Michael often displayed a delightful sense of humor. He was a loyal friend and devoted husband, father, and grandpa. Michael leaves his wife of 47 years, Deborah (Lamb) McCurdy, his children Heather and Mark McCurdy, his daughter-in-law Caterine and her mother Cecilia, and grandsons Miguel and Liam. He also leaves his brother Christopher and his sister-in-law Colette, as well as one niece and seven nephews. Donations in Michael's memory may be made to the U.S. Fund for UNICEF at 800-367-5437.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Michael McCurdy
Sponsored by The Berkshire Eagle.
Christopher Childs
December 3, 2020
It was Mike who gave me my first meaningful credit as a published writer/editor when -- nearly forty-five years ago -- he suggested we create together a book for Penmaen based on the source material for my "stage portrait" of Thoreau. He was collaborator, friend, and inspirational artist and publisher. And he is missed.
Alongside another family friend and wood engraver of the previous generation -- Tom Nason, whose lovely woodcuts graced early editions of the poetry of Robert Frost -- Michael stands, for me, as one of the truly classic, brilliantly skilled artisans of the wood-engraving world. Appreciation for this quiet art goes in cycles; when it peaks again, the McCurdy name will be among those recognized as representing the best examples of the genre.
I'm proud and delighted to have been among the Penmaen stable of writers. For a brief period, I also had the unique opportunity to moonlight as Mike's office manager and work alongside him in that august capacity, interacting with his bookselling clientele (and defending him from the odd creditor), seeing the book universe from a different perspective. That memory, and that education, are also cherished.
He was absolutely one of a kind. Today I gave a copy of that Penmaen book we did together, retrieved from an online used-bookseller, to a friend... and was reminded all over again of what a privilege, and a joy, it was to have known and worked with him. Ave atque vale.
Carole Hanak
June 3, 2020
Remembering Michael and his great artist talent.
Carole
Dave
June 2, 2020
Always remember you, Mike. I see your spirit all over. Rest in peace.
Dave Lord
June 2, 2019
Sure miss you, Mike.
Heather McCurdy
July 25, 2016
Thank you, Carol, Dave, Carole, Tinkers and others.
Here is another nice obit with more detail:
http://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/childrens/childrens-authors/article/70715-obituary-michael-mccurdy.html
Great Barrington Land Conservancy
Carol Noble
July 23, 2016
Lake Mansfield Allicance
Carol Noble
July 23, 2016
Great Barrington Land Conservancy
July 23, 2016
On behalf of Great Barrington Land Conservancy, we would like to express our condolences to Michael's family and our deep gratitude to Michael for donating the artwork for the logos of our land conservancy and Lake Mansfield Project.
Michael's artwork allows us to clearly express our mission, we are honored to have had this gift and are eager for you and your family to know how much we appreciate and treasure his work.
Yours Sincerely,
Carol Noble, president
Great Barrington Land Conservancy
June 18, 2016
I am so sad to learn of Michael's passing. He was such a kind person with an enormous talent. I especially remember him from art class. Deborah, please accept my deepest sympathy and prayers for you and your family. Thank you for reaching out to me after Michael received my card. I have never forgotten your kindness.
Much love,
Carole Menovich Hanak
Class yearbook photo
David Lord
June 18, 2016
Mike, I remember when you first moved into Marblehead. It was right behind Grace Oliver's and your room overlooked Fisherman's Beach and a bit of Brown's Island. You had dreams of being a 'Printer's Devil', a term that I had never heard before. You introduced me to printing and reproduction and thought about a paper titled, 'Bay View Press'. This was the early fifties. I was privileged to be able to visit with you on 2 occasions last summer during the time of our Class of 1960's 55th reunion.
I hope that you now can find the peace that you truly deserve.
Your Friend,
Dave Lord.
Heather McCurdy
June 15, 2016
Thanks to all for the kind words. Here is a link to his full bio, if interested.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_McCurdy
June 8, 2016
My condolences to your family, Michael. Thank you for being you. Thank you for the fantastically beautiful art work that you left behind for us all to enjoy. I remember so well your coming to Concord to talk about your illustrations for Johnny Tremain, a book we marketed to the prisons, the nursing homes, and many, many residents who came out to hear you talk. Thank you for being so generous in your sharing. Heather noted that you and Muhammad Ali died around the same thing around the same time. May you Rest in peace!
Preston Tinker
June 8, 2016
Sorry to hear about Michael. It was great knowing both of you and Mark. Preston&Barbara Tinker&Stacey
Joan Ullyot
June 8, 2016
Michael was a wonderful, funny brother-in-law! As well as beautifully artistic, of course. I loved hiking with him on my visits to the Berkshires; the Appalachian trail was right behind their house, and I think he knew every inch!
Mary Blaise
June 8, 2016
I am saddened to hear of Michael's death. I will always remember his friendliness and good humor when I drove his children on the bus. He either was with them in the morning or met them as I dropped them off in the afternoon. May the memories of the time you shared with him help heal the emptiness his death left in your lives.
Mike Lombardi
June 8, 2016
Heather, I am so sorry for your loss. He seems like he was an amazing man.
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