Search by Name

Search by Name

Phyllis Curran

1937 - 2023

Phyllis Curran Obituary

Phyllis Schuman Curran, 86, of Pittsfield, MA died on Wednesday, March 15, 2023 at her home.

Phyllis was born in Fall River, MA on January 25, 1937, a daughter of Charles and Esther (Kavolsky) Schuman. She graduated from Fall River High School and attended Simmons College. Phyllis received her bachelor's degree from Washington University in St. Louis and her master's degree from American International College.

Phyllis was an exquisite wife, mother, and grandmother. She filled a room with great conversation and optimism. Her health presented many challenges which she managed gracefully.

Phyllis was a well respected teacher in the Pittsfield Public Schools Adult Learning Center and then the Teen Parent Program until her retirement. She was a member of Congregation Knesset Israel and enjoyed swimming, reading, mahjong and friends.

Survivors include her husband, Dr. Joel D. Curran whom she married on August 29, 1957 and two daughters- Deborah (Daniel) Fradkin of Palm Beach Gardens, FL and Judith (Brian) O'Keefe of Natick, MA and one son- Mark (Brenda) Curran of Needham, MA. She leaves seven grandchildren including Alexandra (Sunil Konaiyagarri) Fradkin, Jamie Fradkin, Haley Fradkin, Maxwell Curran, Spencer Curran, Thomas O'Keefe and Jason O'Keefe and one great-granddaughter- Alia Konaiyagarri.

FUNERAL NOTICE: The funeral for Phyllis Curran will be Sunday, March 19, 2023 at 10:30 AM at Congregation Knesset Israel, 16 Colt Rd., Pittsfield, MA with Rabbi David Weiner officiating. Burial will follow in Knesset Israel Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to Congregation Knesset Israel Endowment or HospiceCare in the Berkshires in care of FLYNN & DAGNOLI-BENCIVENGA FUNERAL HOME, 5 Elm St., Pittsfield, MA 01201. To add to the Book of Memories, please visit www.flynndagnolifuneralhomes.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Berkshire Eagle on Mar. 18, 2023.

Memories and Condolences
for Phyllis Curran

Sponsored by The Berkshire Eagle.

Not sure what to say?





Robin Mardi

March 12, 2025

We had a lovely chat about our children when we met at the YMCA.
Phyllis was a memorial person.

Sharon Karlin

March 25, 2023

Phyllis Curran was a friendly, caring person. She will
be missed by many people.
Sharon Karlin

Gary Clarkson

March 23, 2023

Dear Joel and family,I am so sorry for your loss. I remember her so well from the days your children were attending Pomeroy School. She was always willing to help with school activities. It is obvious that she was a wonderful mom and a friend to all. Thinking of your family during these difficult times

Paula Blagg

March 22, 2023

Joel and family, we were saddened to read of your wife´s passing. You and your family are in our thoughts at this sad time.
Noel and Paula Aucoin Blagg

Jean Marie ( Haywood) Wright

March 21, 2023

Dr. Curran I don't know if you remember me but you were my Dr as a child. I had the good fortune to have your wife Mrs. Curran as my teacher at the Teen Parent Program. She gave me so many lessons and skills, that I
still use to this day. It was an honor and privilege to have been touch by you two angels. Condolences and love sent your way.

Sincerely,
Jean (Haywood) Wright

John A. Bernardo

March 20, 2023

My condolences to the family. May the fond and loving memories be a comfort and always be with you.

Laurie and Paul Galok

March 19, 2023

I met Phyllis when she volunteered in my Crosby School library. The little ones flocked to cuddle with her as she read picture books on the "reading couch" and she kept the older children challenged with her bold questioning as she read to them. I loved hearing her voice across the room as we worked together for the children. We would bake and share recipes. She was a mentor to me. Paul and I are very sad today for you Joel, especially, for the loss of your precious Phyllis. Peace be with you..with love and great respect, Laurie and Paul Galok

Deb Creer

March 18, 2023

To Dr. Curran and all of Mrs. Curran's loved ones: Quite a few years ago, Dr. Curran was my children's doctor and during those early years, I had the pleasure of meeting Mrs. Curran at the Y. I was instantly impressed with just how pleasant and friendly she was. It was obvious that she was a real gem. Please accept my sincerest sympathy.

Joanne Deutch

March 18, 2023

Carl and I are so sad about the passing of Phyllis. I loved our conversations about dance, swimming, children and grandchildren. She was just such a delightful lady. She will be missed
Sincerely Joanne And Carl Deutch

Margaret Lenski

March 18, 2023

Dr. Curran and family, Joel and I are so sorry for the loss of your wife, please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Joel and Margaret Lenski

Single Memorial Tree

Roberta (Robin) Nardi

Planted Trees

Roberta (Robin) Nardi

March 18, 2023

Phyllis and I just had a lovely conversation at the Y a few months ago. We compared notes about children and grandchildren and discovered the two of our grandchildren where attending the same college. We smiled at that similarity. She was a lovely person. My deepest sympathy to the Curran Family. I am sure she will be greatly missed by all.

Richard L Woller

March 18, 2023

Hello Joel - we were saddened to read about Phyllis's passing in the paper today. We hope you'll find comfort in the years of memories you made together.

Rich Woller & Nancy Stoll

Showing 1 - 13 of 13 results

Make a Donation
in Phyllis Curran's name

Memorial Events
for Phyllis Curran

Mar

19

Service

10:30 a.m.

Congregation Knesset Israel

16 Colt Rd., PITTSFIELD, MA 01201

Funeral services provided by:

Flynn & Dagnoli-Bencivenga Funeral Home - Pittsfield

5 Elm Street, Pittsfield, MA 01201

How to support Phyllis's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Phyllis Curran's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more