RUSSELL J. MCCURDY Jr.

McCURDY, Russell J. Jr. Russell, age 84, a pioneer and innovator in the sport of women's collegiate ice hockey, died on June 7, at his home in Lee, New Hampshire, following a period of failing health. Born on August 18, 1939 in Pawtucket, RI, McCurdy was an all-state hockey player at LaSalle Academy in Providence, graduated from Boston University in 1962, where he was a Terrier defenseman and went on to play for the U.S. National Team from 1962-63. Before enjoying an outstanding coaching career, McCurdy was in the U.S. Army Intelligence Corps in Germany, an investigator the U.S. Civil Service Commission and a Foreign Service Reserve Officer with the U.S. Department of State. He began his collegiate coaching career at Yale in 1973 and went on to become the head women's hockey coach at UNH in 1977. Over 15 seasons, McCurdy amassed a career record of 264-36-10, won eight conference championships and earned a remarkable .85 winning percentage In 1992, McCurdy was tapped to coach the U.S. National team at the World Championships in Tampere, Finland, taking home the silver medal. McCurdy also coached the UNH women's tennis team for many years. He was an avid tennis player, a voracious reader and an accomplished cook. He loved animals and, with his wife, adopted many dogs and cats over the years. He is survived by Sheila, his wife of 40 years; his sister, Carol Regenauer; three nephews; and his dog, Henri. Visitation is Wednesday, June 12, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m, at Tasker Funeral Home, in DOVER, NH, with an opportunity to share remembrances starting at 6:00 p.m. A Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 a.m., on Friday, June 14, at St. Raymond's Catholic Church, in Providence, followed by Burial at Mount St. Mary's Cemetery, in Pawtucket, RI.

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