Robert Harold Curtiss

Robert H. Curtiss (Bob), 96, of Evans, GA, passed away on December 30th, 2024 in Augusta, GA.

Bob was born in Rochester, NY to Evelyn Shreder Curtiss and Harold E. Curtiss on January 25, 1928. He grew up in Rochester, NY, and graduated from Jefferson High School. During his business career he attended college at the University of Miami, University of Virginia, University of Georgia and Michigan State University. 

On June 19, 1948 Bob married the love of his life, Ethlyn Zipperer, in Miami, FL. The couple honeymooned at Niagara Falls, New York, marking the beginning of a life full of love and adventure.

Bob proudly served his country as a member of the U.S. Navy Air Corps during World War II. After the war he worked for Metropolitan Life Insurance Company in Miami, FL (where he met his future wife) before joining Pan American World Airways as a Pilot. Domiciled in New York City, he flew for Pan Am for three years before he and Ethlyn decided to return to Miami, where they made their home. He retained a lifelong love of aviation and maintained his pilot’s license and was a member of the Experimental Aircraft Association for many years.

Bob transitioned to a successful career in commercial real estate working with such notable companies as Miami Beach Federal, Pilot Life Insurance, Southeast Mortgage Company, Coastal Mortgage (as President) and Royal Trust Bank where he served as Division President, Sr. Vice President and Member of the Board of Directors.

In addition to his professional accomplishments Bob was deeply committed to his community. He served for 19 years as President and Board Member of The Haven School for mentally challenged children in Miami, FL, dedicating his time and energy to improving the lives of others,

A devoted husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather, Bob cherished his family above all else. He and his wife, Ethlyn enjoyed traveling the western United States, amassing a cherished collection of western art along the way. His family was his greatest joy, and he will be remembered for his unwavering love, wisdom, and kindness. 

Bob is preceded in death by his beloved wife Ethlyn, his daughter, MaryAnn Palmisano (David), his sister Pauline Keith, his father, Harold Curtiss, his mother, Evelyn Curtiss, and his stepmother Elinor Curtiss 

Bob is survived by his son Mark Curtiss (Lorie) of Pawleys Island, SC and his daughter Barbara Curtiss of Evans, GA; his grandchildren, Scott Curtiss (Sarah), Kelly Curtiss, Robert Holt, Betsy Link (Kevin), Jennifer Figueroa (Danny) and six great grandchildren who brought him immeasurable joy.

Memorials may be left at Platt’s Funeral Home, 337 North Belair Road in Evans, Georgia website (plattsfuneralhome.com).

A private interment, along side his wife Ethlyn, will be held at a later date at the historic Zion Lutheran Church Cemetery in Guyton, GA.