James Alan Curtis Sr.

James Alan Curtis Sr., 74, of East Hampton, husband for 52 years to Irene M. Curtis, passed away peacefully April 25, 2015, with family by his side.

He was born in South Glastonbury on Feb. 18, 1941, to the late Nathan and Mildred Curtis. Jim was predeceased by a brother, Nathan. Jim and Irene lived in East Hampton on the shore of his beloved Lake Pocotopaug for 45 years. Jim attended High Street school and graduated Glastonbury High School in 1959.

He is survived by two sons and their spouses, James Alan Curtis Jr. and Maureen, of East Hampton, and Kevin Matthew Curtis and Regina, of Coventry. Three wonderful granddaughters, who were the light of his life, also survive, Ashley and Britney Curtis, of Coventry, and Kaelyn Curtis, of East Hampton. Jim is also survived by sisters Norma (and brother-in-law Tom) McCann, of Enfield, and Elizabeth Silva, of Warehouse Point. Also surviving are many nieces and nephews and cousins.

Jim worked initially at Roskin Distributors, and was a very proud employee of General Electric in Manchester for 25 years, and also worked for Sherwin Williams Co. before retiring. He met his wife, Irene, of 52 years, as a new co-worker at Roskin's when she went into the warehouse for a package that arrived at the shipping/receiving office and heard his incredible voice singing "Maria" that reverberated everywhere throughout the warehouse, while he drove a forklift around. He was always moving ahead and assuming more responsibility as an appliance serviceman, the GE service call center manager, and manager of major appliance distribution, all in Manchester. He knew so many of the independent appliances store owners, and enjoyed showing the younger guys how tough and strong he was when training them. Jim was an acolyte at St Luke Church in South Glastonbury, and sang in the Nayaug Chorus from same area. He was self-taught in playing keyboard, guitar, and harmonica and had a lifelong passion for all music.

He'd personally accomplished so many improvement projects for our home - so talented. Jim was a man of great integrity; a kind, loyal, awesome husband who always supported my endeavors, and our children and grandchildren's academic and sports activities ... and then sometimes he could be "grumpy gpaw" after the initial three strokes 11 years ago resulted in frustrating limitations. A friend to all, always willing to help, he volunteered many hours for the beach neighborhood's organization, the Princess Pocotopaug Corp. Jim enjoyed our neighborhood's family friendly environment and our sons loved growing up 'on the lake.' Jim spent many hours driving the ski boat for the boys. Jim and Irene shared memorable trips to many places in the United States.

The family would like to especially thank the nurses and staff at Harrington Court Rehabilitation Unit in Colchester and the doctors, nurses and staff at Hartford Hospital for their compassionate care. Following a hemorrhagic stroke, Jim had lived at and received wonderful care at Harrington Court these last 16 months. Jim wanted to be an organ donor, but too many months of infections/antibiotics precluded that, regrettably.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the East Hampton Ambulance Association, or CPTV, or American Lung Association.

Friends may call at Spencer Funeral Home, 112 Main St., East Hampton, Saturday, May 2, at 10 a.m. followed by a service at 11 a.m.

For online condolences, visit

www.spencerfuneralhomeinc.com