Michael J. Curtin Jr.

Obituary of Michael J. Curtin, Jr.

Michael J. Curtin, Jr., 73, of Howell passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on Thursday, December 25, 2025. He was born in Summit, raised in Garwood and settled here in 1984. Mike graduated from Arthur L. Johnson High School and served in the Army Reserves. He was the owner of Orchard Exxon in Cranford and then went on to work as a mechanic for Station Cab in Rahway prior to retiring in 2015.

Mike had a huge heart shown not only through his love for family but for animals as well. He had many different pets throughout the years. Mike kept a close relationship with God, being a devout Christian. He read the bible and prayed daily, often reminding his grandchildren to say their prayers.

Mike would not fly and would only travel by car. Yet with his family, they traveled down to Florida, up to Canada, and west to the Grand Canyon. Because he was a big Dallas Cowboy fan, they once made a trip to see an empty Dallas Cowboy Stadium. In his spare time, Mike could often be found working in his yard and tending to his garden where he grew both beautiful flowers and many different types of vegetables. He also enjoyed cooking, his family especially loved his homemade ravioli. A talented musician, Mike played guitar and piano and was in a band in his youth. This was inspired by his awe for the Beatles. A wonderful husband, father and grandfather, his most treasured role was as "Pa" to his grandchildren.

Mike was predeceased by his parents, Michael J. and Catherine Curtin; and his son, Cpl. Michael Edward Curtin who was Killed In Action in 2003 during Operation Iraqi Freedom. He is survived by his loving wife of 48 years, Joan (nee Larsen) Curtin; children, Katherine Curtin and her husband, Juan Hernandez, Daniel Curtin and his fiancée, Jessica, Jennifer Shulskie and her husband, Justin and Stephanie Volker and her husband, Jason; nine grandchildren, Kayla, twins, Ellie and Oliver, William, twins, Michael and Jonathan, Jacob, Laila and Noah, and another grandson due in April; brother, John Curtin and his wife, Patricia, sister-in-law, Karen Thompson and her husband, Robert; and nieces and nephews, Jonathan, Carrie Ann, Rob and Kasey and their families.

Visitation will be held at the Clayton & McGirr Funeral Home, 100 Elton-Adelphia Road (Route 524), Freehold Township on Monday, December 29, 2025 from 3:00 to 7:00 PM. Relatives and friends are invited to attend his 11:00 AM funeral service at the funeral home on Tuesday, December 30, 2025. Interment will follow in St. Anne's Cemetery, 1610 Allenwood Road, Wall. For those who desire, memorial contributions may be made to Tunnel To Towers Foundation, 2361 Hylan Boulevard, Staten Island, NY 10306 or HERE. For information, directions or to leave condolence messages for the family, visit www.claytonfuneralhome.com.