Curtis R. Willis

Curtis R. Willis, 74, of Roselle, NJ entered into eternal rest on Monday, January 5, 2026.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend the visitation on Monday, January 12, 2026 in the Leonard-Lee Funeral Home, 301 E. Blancke Street, Linden from 10:30am to 11:30am at which time a Funeral Service will be held in the funeral home. Interment will follow in Evergreen Cemetery, Hillside, NJ.

Curtis was born and raised in Newark, he lived in Jersey City before moving to Roselle 25 years ago.

He was a firefighter with the Montclair Fire Department for 25 years before he retired in 2009. He was also a member of the FMBA.

Curtis was the loving husband of 31 years to Stephanie Willis. Loving father to Kamau Willis, Gerren Willis, Dene Willis and Nicole Seals (Mario). Cherished grandfather of Gavin and Mariyah Seals.

Curtis Willis, born on May 23, 1951, entered this world as the beloved son of the late
Curtis Willis Sr. and Rita Ford Willis. He grew up alongside his brother, the late
Raymond Willis, forming bonds of family that shaped the man he would become.
Curtis was educated in the Jersey City public school system. Throughout his early
adulthood, he worked various jobs, always striving to support his family and build a
meaningful life. His true calling came when he joined the Montclair Fire Department in
Montclair, New Jersey. As a firefighter, Curtis served the community with courage,
pride, and unwavering dedication for 25 years. His service left a lasting impact on the
people he protected and the colleagues who stood beside him.
Curtis's greatest joy was his family. He began his journey into fatherhood with his
children Dene, Kamau, and Gerren Willis. In July 1994, he married his wife, Stephanie,
and together they created a loving blended family with her daughter, Nicole. Curtis
cherished his grandchildren, Gavin and Mariyah, who brought him endless pride and
happiness. As a son, father, husband, and PopPop, Curtis's devotion never wavered.
His love was steady, generous, and deeply felt by all who knew him.
Known for his boundless energy and infectious laughter, Curtis had a gift for making
people feel welcomed and valued. He maintained lifelong friendships and had a
remarkable ability to turn strangers into friends. His genuine spirit, loyalty, honesty,
and integrity defined him.
Curtis was passionate about music and built an impressive collection of albums, CDs,
and stereo equipment. He embraced new technology with enthusiasm and curiosity. He
also loved traveling and vacationing with his wife, with their trip to Santorini, Greece
standing out as a cherished memory. A lover of fine dining, Curtis was always eager to
try new foods and explore new experiences.
Curtis leaves behind a legacy of love, service, and joy. His presence will be deeply
missed, but his spirit will continue to live on in the hearts of all who were blessed to
know him.