About
Donald Curless Obituary
Don is survived by his children, Kim Johnson (husband Mark) and Maxine Vardi (partner John); and his grandchildren, Will Johnson, Wyatt Johnson, and Mya Vardi.
Born on May 31, 1941, Don was raised in Bronxville, NY. He attended Dartmouth College in Hanover, New Hampshire, where he earned a degree in economics while completing the Navy ROTC program. Following his graduation, he served as a Boat Group Officer for the United States Navy aboard the USS Monrovia stationed in Norfolk, VA. He was honorably discharged in 1969.
After his military service, Don started his career with IBM in White Plains, NY and Richmond, VA and in 1981 settled down with his family in Raleigh, NC. He started a software company, Butler and Curless Associates in 1985 which grew to employ over 100 people before he retired in 2006. Don spent his retirement in both Raleigh, NC and Durham, NC. He owned a life-long family lake house at Three Lakes, WI, and will be buried there on his family's plot this summer.
From his stories to his quick sense of humor, Don left a positive influence on the lives of each person he met. Don never hesitated to give support or advice to a loved one in any way possible. He will be deeply missed by his family and all who knew him.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
3 Entries
Marilyn Miller Smolka
April 6, 2025
Dear Family - I live in Salt Lake City, Utah. Amazingly I attended PS #8 with Don and then Roosevelt High School. He was always a leader in school and served as G O president at Roosevelt. I remember him clearly throughout all those years. I send my sincere condolences on his passing. Marilyn Miller Smolka
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Mark Johnson
February 28, 2025
Frank Ferreira
February 24, 2025
I had the pleasure of sharing my meals with Don here at the Carolina Reserve. I enjoyed his company and I will miss him deeply. He was a great guy and a marvelous story teller.
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