DAVID B. CURLAND

GREENSBORO — David B. Curland, well-known South Florida builder-developer, passed away at Beacon Place in Greensboro on Tuesday, December 4, 2012. Born in Brooklyn, New York in 1921, Mr. Curland attended Franklyn K. Lane High School where, as President of his Senior Class, he was known for his communication skills and quick wit. Prior to World War II, David's career path was uncertain but, at the onset of war, he was drafted and served in the Pacific Theater, notably Saipan and Iwo Jima, where he proudly served his country as a Staff Sergeant Electrical Specialist on the B-29s of the 20th Air Force.

David married Jennie Mandrachia, the great love of his life, and in 1950 the couple and their two small children relocated to Ft. Lauderdale where David began his 45-year career in real estate development. From Ft. Lauderdale to Stuart he was responsible for designing, building, marketing and selling over 10,000 homes. As an innovator in the field, Mr. Curland was the first to create sales centers utilizing in-house architects and multiple design resources from which home owners could choose everything from kitchen cabinets to carpet and roof tile. He helped pioneer central air conditioning for new homes and incorporated specialty design trends into moderately priced homes. He developed systems to mass produce custom homes, giving each one a character of its own. He designed land use plans with an emphasis on golf course views and was known as a true marketing genius of his era. Among the communities bearing his imprint are The Landings and Bay Colony in Fort Lauderdale, The Hamlet in Delray Beach, and Martin Downs in Stuart.

During his long and distinguished career, Mr. Curland earned a reputation throughout the industry as a builder of fine homes of exceptional quality. That quality, the perfection of his communities and his outgoing personality attracted sports and entertainment figures like Kathy Rinaldi, Jack Nicklaus, and Jackie Gleason as both client and friend.

Mr. Curland is preceded in death by his wife Jennie and sisters Frances Mitchell and Bella Isaacs. He is survived by his children, Phyllis Curland of Greensboro, NC, Lorraine Thomas of Virginia Beach, VA, Stephen Curland of Boca Raton, FL, and Robert Curland of Kansas City, MO, and four grandchildren, David Curland, Eric Thomas, Kenneth Thomas, Ingrid Curland, and great grandchild, Francesca Curland.

A private service will be held at Forest Hills Memorial Chapel in Palm City, Florida on Friday, December 7. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice and Palliative Care of Greensboro, 2500 Summit Place, Greensboro, NC 27405.

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