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Joseph Curinga Obituary
JOSEPH A., on Nov. 30, 2007, age 44, of Lawndale. Retired Chief Petty Officer of the U.S. Navy. Loving father of Katie and Alexandra. Beloved son of Joan A. (nee Kelly) and the late Albert A. Dear brother of the late Jimmy and the late Buddy Curinga. Former spouse of Clare McNicole, stepfather of Samantha. Dear friend of David, Christina, and Stephen Podrost. Relatives and friends are invited to his Viewing Mon. 7 to 9 P.M. and Tues. 8:45 to 9:45 A.M. at THE JAMES M. CAMPBELL FUNERAL HOME, 500 E. Benner St. (at 6100 N. Rising Sun Ave.). Funeral Mass 10:30 A.M. St. William Church. Burial will be privately held at sea aboard a Naval vessel. In lieu of flowers donations to St. William School Fund, 6200 Rising Sun Ave., Phila., PA 19111 would be appreciated by his family.
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Memories and Condolences
for Joseph Curinga
Jim Kippenhan
December 4, 2021
It is hard to believe that it's been 14 years since you left us my friend.
I think of you often, especially at this time of year. You welcomed me aboard USS Nassau this very week in 1997 and exactly ten years later I attended your funeral.
I will never forget your kindness, your humor or your friendship.
Behave yourself up there or St Peter will have you standing gate guard every day.
Judi
June 10, 2008
In My Pocket
I have memories in my pocket.
They rattle among the change.
My memories of you are treasures I carry wherever I go.
They are stored in bits and pieces, parts of a beautiful whole
They give me comfort when I think I am alone.
Yes, I have memories in my pocket, like so much other stuff I keep there.
But of all the treasures I have, it’s the memories of you that are the most precious.
Clare
February 3, 2008
When you first came into my life
I had no idea how easy you would be to talk to, and I never imagined that our early conversations would grow into such a strong friendship.
I never suspected that we'd discover so many common interests and values, or that I could ever enjoy simple pleasures as much as when they are shared with you.
I never thought we'd have so many warm and happy times together, or that your compassion would help so much to ease me through the rougher times.
I didn't expect to feel so soon as though I'd known you forever, or to trust you so easily with my secrets and deepest feelings.
I never thought your support could make such a difference, that your encouragement would bring my dreams closer, make my successes sweeter and my loses easier to accept.
I never imagined that I would grow to want, to need, and to love you so much.
When you first came into my life, I never dreamed you'd soon be someone whom I couldn't live without.
Happy Birthday Joe!
All my love
Tracey
February 3, 2008
Happy Birthday Joe. I could let the day go by without letting you know that you are still thought of all the time and missed more than you can imagine. There are still times that I go to pick up the phone to call you or let you know the Flyers are on. You may be gone but you will never be forgotten!
Clare McNichol-Curinga
December 18, 2007
Sitting here remembering,
The smile upon your face
And how it made the world light up
You were full of heavenly grace.
No longer can I see your face
For you are with God above
But your loving smile will always be
Tucked in my heart with love.
I know you wouldn’t want to see
Me crying the way I do,
But losing you was a part of me
And days, I can’t make it through.
Do you hear me crying?
It’s because some days I’m down
I look around for you,
But you’re nowhere to be found.
Only pictures now remain of you;
Special songs that meant so much
So if you hear me crying,
It’s because I can’t feel your touch.
Sometimes I think I see you,
On a crowded street or mall.
I then run up and call your name,
But it wasn’t you at all.
My heart still aches in sadness
And tears, oh how they flow!
What it meant to lose you,
No one will ever know.
So, if you hear me crying,
It’s something I can’t control
Just understand my darling,
When I’m again with you, I’ll be whole.
“Author”
Ruth Ann Mahaffey
©copyright Sept 2007
Judi Panas
December 13, 2007
Don't think of him as gone away his journey's just begun,
life holds so many facets...this earth is only one.
Just think of him as resting from the sorrows and the tears in a place of warmth and comfort where there are no days and years.
Think of how he must be wishing that we could know today how nothing but our sadness can really pass away.
And think of him as living in the hearts of those he touched...for nothing loved is ever lost....and he was loved so much.
Tracey Panas
December 11, 2007
As far as my eyes can see
There are shadows approaching me
And to those I left behind
I wanted you to know
You've always shared my deepest thoughts
You follow where I go
And oh when I'm old and wise
BItter words mean little to me
Autumn winds will blow right through me
And someday in the mist of time
When they asked me if I knew you
I'd smile and say you were a friend of mine
And the sadness would be lifted from my eyes
Oh when I'm old and wise
As far as my eyes can see
There are shadows surrounding me
And to those I leave behind
I want you all to know
You've always shared my darkest hours
I'll miss you when I go
And oh, when I'm old and wise
Heavy words that tossed and blew me
Like autumn winds will blow right through me
And someday in the mist of time
When they ask you if you knew me
Remember that you were a friend of mine
As the final curtain falls before my eyes
Oh when I'm old and wise
As far as my eyes can see
Joyce Cook
December 10, 2007
RPC was my Chief during my tour at Little Creek (99-01) and words cannot express how much he taught me in that short time. I use his leadership methods and philosophies to this day. In fact, raved about and quoted him two weeks ago to my Department Head. The Navy lost so much when he retired, and now the world will be a lesser place without him.
Troy Trotter
December 6, 2007
I had the pleasure of working with Joe, on the USS NASSAU. We had some very funny days that i will always remember. We have truly lost a very funny CPO! May GOD him and those who are left behind.
Troy Trotter and Family
ABFCS (AW/SW) Retired
Virgil Holmes II
December 5, 2007
I had the honor to serve with Joe aboard USS NASSAU. When I was selected for CHIEF. Fair winds and folling seas Brother.
MACS(SW/AW) Mark McDonald
December 5, 2007
Chief Curinga and I served together on the Nassau. The MA office was right next door to his office. I was only an MA1 at the time so I didn't know him as a fellow Chief. However, he was a great Chief and mentor to the entire crew. His legacy will live on in all those that ever met him.
Sam Daniel
December 5, 2007
I served with Joe onboard the USS NASSAU. He was always so plesant and such a great guy to be around. There was never a dull moment with Joe in the room. He always looked out for the sailors. He will certainly be missed.
Lowell Franklin
December 5, 2007
I had the honor to serve with Joe aboard USS NASSAU. When I was selected for CHIEF Joe was there for me in ways only my brothers know.
One of the challenges Joe placed on us was to write versus for the Navy Hymn. Joe sent it in for inclusion for that powerful hymn.
Joe was a fine CHIEF who gave his all to those with whom he served. Shipmate, you will be missed.
I pray the peace of God and the blessings of heaven on his family in this time of sorrow.
Fred Howard AKCS(AW), USN (Ret)
December 4, 2007
Joe was a friend and fellow Chief of mine while serving onboard the USS NASSAU. He always had a joke to tell and maintained a great sense of humor and purpose. He was a good man who cared deeply for the welfare and well-being of all his shipmates. He dearly loved our Navy. Many Sailors benefited from Joe's service and his mentoring.
He will be missed.
Rest well my friend...
Terry Stock
December 4, 2007
Chief Petty Officer Joseph Curinga was an outstanding shipmate and an outstanding Chief Petty Officer who obvously will be missed by friends and family alike. Too soon Joe, too soon.
Judi Panas
December 4, 2007
To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.
Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."
It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man."
God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.
When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.
I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.
There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.
If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.
So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.
And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.
Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998-2007
Pati Franklin
December 3, 2007
Heaven has a new angel today. I will miss you. You always made me feel so special In the mess abourd the Nassau and at all our event. I always felt out of place But you always went out of your way to tell me how pretty I was.I loved watching you and Chuck,Kipp.And Frank Run the selectees ragid.Thank you for your sweet sweet spirit and for being our friend.To your children your dad was a special person. You and all your family are in my prayers.
(Mrs.ADC Franklin)retired
Phil Moore
December 3, 2007
Words can't describe how sad I am over the passing of Joe. Joe always put the welfare of others before him. The world, US Navy, and the US Navy Chief Petty Officer community has lost a great man.
Scott Quinn
December 3, 2007
Joe was my Chief on the USS ENTERPRISE. Not just my Chief, but a great friend, shipmate, neighbor and mentor. He taught me great leadership traits. I always remember him and his passion for the Navy. I remember his passion to help all Sailors. You are at peace now brother! Fair winds and following seas!
Raymond Scott Quinn
RPCS
Judi Panas
December 2, 2007
Joe
My heart aches at the thought of never seeing your handsome face or hearing your voice again, but I know you are at peace now and no longer afraid. I now look to the sky for the star shining down that shows your light. As I sit by the ocean I will feel a peaceful closeness to you. I am going miss you and will always love you. You will always hold a special place in my heart.
Love Judi
Father Ron Buchmiller
December 2, 2007
Good memories of our days in UK, Norfolk, and via e-mail and phone while I was in Naples, Italy. Joe will be remembered in Masses, this week. Eternal Rest grant unto him, O LORD! May he rest in Peace!
Jim Kippenhan
December 2, 2007
Joe and I served aboard USS NASSAU together. He was an excellent Chief Petty Officer who put the care and training of all Sailors (not just his own) ahead of everything else.
I last heard from Joe via email a few months ago. He told me that he would call when he was feeling better. Sadly, I never heard from him again.
Rest in Peace Shipmate. I'll see you someday, in Fiddler's Green.
Dave Schwabauer
December 2, 2007
Joe was my Chief Petty Officer/Religious Program Specialist onboard the USS NASSAU (LHA 4)from 1997-1999. He was a great friend and shipmate. I will miss him terribly. Thanks to Jim Kippenham for letting me know about this. What a shock. God bless you all...all of Joe's family and friends are in my prayers.
Tracey Panas
December 2, 2007
As the song goes, "Only the good die young". You truly were one of the good guys. Your huge heart will be truly missed. There will forever be something missing in my life. You were not just a 'cousin', but you were like a big brother to me. Nothing can ever take that away. We've shared many good times and lots of laughs. I am so grateful for every minute you were in my company. I will forever remember our last night together. You were happy and that laugh of yours was back, along with your sarcastic sense of humor. With everything going on, you were still joking. Our new saying "keep pushing that button".
My heart is aching but I will keep remembering that you are at peace and in a much better place. I love you very much and will miss you forever.
Tracey
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