Richard Nathan "Rick" Curcio

Richard "Rick" Nathan Curcio was a loving husband, father, Pop Pop, Uncle Ricky, brother, son and dear friend to many. He was a fighter who spent decades battling medical issues courageously, always finding the strength to get back up after having been knocked down. In the early morning hours of Wednesday, October 30th, 2024; in his home with family by his side, Rick passed away peacefully. He lived 70 years having never quit.
Rick will be fondly remembered and deeply missed by his patient and loving wife of 41 years Cheryl, his son Brian, his daughter Ashley, his five grandchildren: Brody, Josie, Maddie, Ryland and Bryson, his siblings Jimmy, Dawn, Gary and Tammy and their children.
While it is with great and profound sadness that Rick's family announces his passing, solace is taken in the knowledge that he is reunited with his parents whom he loved dearly and preceded him in death, Richard and Joan Curcio of South Plainfield, New Jersey.
And it is with love and laughter that his family remembers the indelible mark which Rick leaves behind, along with countless half-empty bottles of Diet Coke and Propel. To the many who knew him, Rick was many things: A willing mentor and coach who always was more than happy to give his opinion and recommendations without being asked. A rebel who did things his own way, with his way often being getting someone else to do it. An inquisitive, scientific mind with a thirst for knowledge. One of Rick's many hobbies was taking perfectly working, often brand-new things apart to see how they worked and then put them back together, leaving them forever changed and never the same again. This curiosity would show itself during Rick's high school days in New Jersey, where he took four years of Spanish 1. An innovator and a trailblazer who never let the adversity of circumstance stand in his way; perhaps best exemplified by his tendency to order food at restaurants not listed on the menu. Often, Rick would jokingly insist he wanted to be reincarnated as a canoe, so please think of him should you happen to see one. If you understand this joke, the family kindly requests that you reach out to them to help them understand why he thought this was so funny.
Always a Jersey guy at heart, Rick spent the last twenty years of his life in Summerville, South Carolina with his immediate family and grandchildren. A gathering is planned in that area for November 30th, 2024 to celebrate Rick's life and memory. The family encourages all who wish and are able to attend to reach out for details. Rick wasn't much for formality, so there are only two rules those who attend are asked to follow: Don't come sad. Do come hungry.
Rick had a big heart and loved his family more than anything. He will be deeply missed. He always appreciated first responders and the troops. Please consider donating to the Tunnels to Towers Foundation in his honor (T2T.org).