Curt Roney, Jr.

Dr. Curt Roney, Jr., PhD, passed away peacefully on Thursday, October 2, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of intellect, mentorship, and unwavering devotion to his family.

Curt is survived by his wife of fifty-four years, Nelly Roney, who was always by his side. Together they built a life full of love, adventure, and shared purpose. He is also survived by their son, Pete, Pete’s wife, Deb, and their daughters Claire and Megan; his brother, Bill Roney; and his beloved dog, Babe, who remained loyal at Curt’s side during his final days and hours.

A consummate professional and a voracious reader, Curt was respected for his sharp intellect and mastery of strategic management principles. His career spanned decades of advising and serving some of the world’s most respected companies, building his own successful management consulting practice, and – earlier in life – even trying his hand at raising cattle.

In the early 2000s, Curt shifted from the corporate world to academia, where his true passion lay, teaching. As a professor, he poured himself into shaping the next generation of business leaders. Students often reached out to him years after graduation to thank him for being tough but fair – pushing them to think more deeply, work more diligently, and prepare more fully for their own careers. For Curt, teaching was not just instruction; it was mentorship.

Beyond his professional pursuits, Curt embraced life with curiosity and energy. He had a long-running, love-hate relationship with golf, a family tradition. He delighted in SCUBA diving with Pete during his son’s teenage years, and he later cherished traveling the world with Nelly. Together they ventured around across continents and cultures, experiences that enriched his perspective and fed his insatiable appetite for learning.

Wherever he went, Curt was always searching for new insights – new knowledge that could better illuminate where the world was headed.

Curt’s family is deeply proud to have known and loved him. They are grateful for the life he built and the wisdom he shared – whether in “The Bear Book,” in strategic management lessons, or in the countless life lessons passed down to his son, granddaughters, and students.

His legacy is one of intellect, generosity, and inspiration. He pushed those around him to grow, to strive, and to become more than they ever thought they could be.

Curt will be missed terribly by all who knew him, but his spirit and influence live on in his family, his students, and the many lives he touched.

A memorial service will be held at 5 p.m. Friday, October 10, 2025, at Joyner’s Funeral Home, 4100 Raleigh Road Parkway, Wilson.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to Veterans Residential Services of Wilson, 2500 Nash Street, Suite E, Wilson, North Carolina 27896 or vrswvets@gmail.com.

Condolences directed to Joyner’s Funeral Home and Crematory at www.joyners.net.