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Patrick Curtin Obituary

Sherrill-Patrick Jude Curtin, 83 of Sherrill, passed away surrounded by his family in the early morning hours of May 24, 2023. Born in Phoenixville, Pennsylvania November 20, 1939, he was the third son of Aloysius Vincent Curtin and Kathryn Ahern Curtin and attended St. Basil's School, Dushore, Pa. The Sisters of Immaculate Heart of Mary instilled the importance of education in Pat at an early age. Upon graduation, he pursued his degree in History at State University of New York at Cortland followed by a Master's Degree in Education.Pat began his teaching career with the Oneida City School District teaching at both North Broad Elementary School and Oneida Junior High School. He then entered the field of Administration with his appointment as Vice Principal at J.D. George Elementary School in the Vernon-Verona-Sherrill Central School District where he spent the next seven years. Pat was given the opportunity to serve as Southside Elementary School Principal in Canastota from 1975-1978 followed by three years as Principal of Wm. A. Wettell Elementary in Vernon and E. A. McAllister Elementary in Sherrill. It was during this time that he received his Ph.D. in Educational Administration from Syracuse University in 1978 followed by becoming Assistant Superintendent and finally Superintendent of Schools at VVS from which he retired in 1998.For the next 15 years, he continued serving 11 nearby school districts in various interim positions, allowing him to meet many wonderful educators and staff from Madison, Herkimer BOCES, Clinton, Sauquoit, Madison-Oneida BOCES, Oriskany, Oneida-Madison BOCES, Morrisville, Hamilton, Stockbridge and Rome.He was a member of The NYS School Superintendents Association, NYS School Boards Association, NEA, Rotary International where he was a Paul Harris Fellow and Chair of the Scholarship Committee for many years, the Canastota Civic Club, Oneida County Farm Bureau, and Leadership in Regional School Support Center and New York Talks Director and others.In his spare time he enjoyed reading, anything John Deere Green, helping his brothers whenever he could at Curtin Dairy, hunting, fishing for brookies and, of course, JEOPARDY!Pat leaves to cherish his memory his wife of 51 years, Kay Reames Curtin; their four children, Maria Olney (Mike Brown), Vernon; Shannon (Steve) Thorp, Westmoreland; Patrick (Alexandra) Curtin, Peterborough, NH and Brian (Kerrilyn) Curtin, Manorville, NY. He is also survived by his much loved grandchildren Emily Schieferstine (Josh) and children Gage and Quinn; Christopher Olney (Brittany) and children Kade, Shyanne and soon to arrive baby Sawyer; Ryan McNamara (Megan Nichols); AnnaKate and, Brooks Curtin, Julien, Lexi and Nicco Bufalino and Raegan Curtin.He is also survived by his brothers, John (Claire), Cassville; Al Jr. (Betty), Dushore, Pa.; Robert (Laura), Cassville and his Sister-in-law, Paula Curtin, Cassville; many dear nieces and nephews and a host of great friends he loved dearly.He was predeceased by his parents, his sister, Mary, his brother Thomas, his aunt, Sister Mary Incarnation IHM, his aunt, Sister Maria Monica, IHM, his mother and father-in-law, Stan and Evelyn Reames and his "special" family members, Ernie and Mary Erdo.Family and friends are invited to call on Wednesday May 31, 2023 from 2:00 to 7:00 P.M. at the Malecki Funeral Home Inc., 464 Sherrill Rd., Sherrill, NY, 13461. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, June 1, 2023 at 10:30 a.m. at Holy Family Church, 4352 Peterboro Street, Vernon, NY with Rev. Nathan Brooks officiating. Burial will follow in Valley View Cemetery, 1776 Middle Road, Oneida, NY.In lieu of floral tributes, the family requests that contributions be made to the VVS Education Foundation, PO Box 63, Sherrill, NY 13461 for a scholarship in his name or to the Madison Central School District Office, 7303 US-20, Madison, NY 13402 for the Dr. Curtin Fund for District Youth. https://www.lastingmemories.com/dr-patrick-j-curtin

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Oneida Daily Dispatch from May 24 to May 28, 2023.

Memories and Condolences
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carol frenay

May 31, 2023

Dr. Curtin, Your legacy spanned all my years @ VVS - as principal and superintendent. You were always attentive to teachers and students alike. I always appreciated your advice and encouragement. Sending sympathies to Kay and your family. carol and dave frenay

Tom Koscielniak

May 31, 2023

Dr. Patrick Curtin,
Many of us know him from a variety of life encounters.
I have known him since 1976. He gave me my first administrative role. He was my boss, my mentor, and most importantly my friend.
One lasting mantra he taught me was "Remember it is about the students over all else."
Pat was a natural prankster. He influenced me one Halloween to dress up as Sylvester the cat. I was to meet Tweetie bird in Vernon. "In costume," I chose to the back roads to the Wettel school. Of course, a state trooper pulled me over and then escorted me to the elementary school. Pat had to vouch for me and that I was sober and a principal at Sherrill. He never let me forget it.
We celebrated many, many St. Patrick´s day events. He kidnapped me many times!
Gone but never will be forgotten will be his legacy. Trying to do his best for all the young people, especially those who were disadvantaged.
Rest in Peace, You did an excellent job on Earth.
With Love,
Tom and Mary Ann Koscielniak

Stephanie D Schell

May 29, 2023

Pat and Brian, I am very sorry to hear about your father's passing. I remember when he was at the helm during our years at Vernon-Verona-Sherrill Central High School. I met him once and he was a very good person to get to know. You can take comfort that he is in a better place. My prayers are with your family during this very difficult time.

Jayne Novak (Van Valkenburg)

May 26, 2023

The Curtin's lived across the street from us in Sherrill. Our house was on Park Terrace Extension. My father, James F. Van Valkenburg, was the School Psychologist at VVS. My sympathies and condolences to the Curtin family.

Dianne Stewart Ellis

May 26, 2023

Pat was a friend for a long time. He will be missed

Christopher M Harper

May 26, 2023

My deepest sympathy goes out to the family and friends of Pat Curtin. I met Pat many years ago when he was an interim superintendent. We kept in touch all these years and had many laughs along the way. I was honored to have Dr. Curtin as a friend and a mentor. He was honest as the day is long and had strong integrity. Most importantly, he motivated me to become the educator that I am today. I remember he would call me as I was driving to an interview and give me some last minute advice. He always gave me honest and direct feedback. Dr. Curtain would always propel me forward because he had seen the landscape and knew what it takes to be successful. I wish all educators had a mentor like Dr. Curtin. May he rest in peace. Christopher Harper

Andrew Turppa

May 26, 2023

RIP Dr. Curtin

Dr. Vicki Cole

May 25, 2023

My sincere sympathy to the Curtin family; Dr. Curtin was always a breath of fresh air in the district and his kindness and professionalism resonated to all that were lucky enough to know and work with him.

Charlie Reppel

May 25, 2023

Kay and Family,
So sorry for your loss. It was an honor to know and work for Pat. He was a true leader by example. The salt of the earth!

Pendorf Family

May 25, 2023

We are so sad to hear of Dr. Curtin's passing. Sending thoughts and prayers.
The Pendorf Family

Robert Kyser

May 25, 2023

So very sorry.. You will be missed dearly.. You were like a brother to me..
Thinking of you all.
Bob (Skip) Kyser

Kelly Burns Paul

May 25, 2023

Dr. Curtin personified excellence, leadership, and respect. His wonderful sense of humor and approachable manner added to his charm, and his genuine interest in others was admirable. Dr. Curtin will be sorely missed, but the seeds he planted for decades will live on and thrive. My deepest condolences and prayers to Dr. Curtin´s lovely family.
With sympathy and love,

Brett Robinson

May 25, 2023

Kay and Family;
Sorry about the loss of Dr. Curtain. prayers are with you during time of sorrow.

Jerry Brown

May 25, 2023

My sincere condolences and prayers to Kay and all the children. I have many fond memories of times well spent with Pat. A beautiful gentleman, educator, and fine , caring person. Rest in peace my friend.
Respectfully, Jerry Brown

Terry and John Mcinerney

May 25, 2023

Kay and Family... We are very sorry to read of Pat passing. We had the pleasure to know him later in life while being the interim Super at Stockbridge Valley. He was a quiet man who carried a big stick. When he spoke you listened as great wisdom doesn't visit very often. All those schools, teachers, parents and especially kids are much better because of him. Dr. Curtin, Rest in peace.

Sue Tyler

May 25, 2023

Dr. Curtin was my first principal when I began teaching at JD George in 1971. He was a wonderful man and a true mentor to me. He always greeted with a smile. A true gentleman and brilliant educator.

John potter

May 25, 2023

Mr. CURTAIN was one of greatest person that I have ever known he was my grade school principal then he became a superintendent at high school he followed me all the way through and when I graduated he was there to give me my diploma he knew how to treat his students that struggled. May you RIP I will never forget you love John Potter

Patrick Broski

May 25, 2023

Heaven got a good one...
Condolences to the family

Gene Bennati

May 25, 2023

A wonderful Superintendent to work for. He really had a passion for education and the students and teachers in his district. A true gentleman.

Melissa McNamara Roger´s

May 24, 2023

He was a man who always greeted and treated me like family. He was a mentor for thousands. I am a better person for knowing him, as are many. Peace and love to his family.

Mary Rousseau

May 24, 2023

In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.

Kelly Conniff

May 24, 2023

May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.

Bill Wiley

May 24, 2023

Great man. It was a pleasure to work "with" him. So sorry for your loss

Rosemarie cook smith

May 24, 2023

My Sincere Sympathy. Mr Curtain was one of My Favorite teachers in Oneida. Always remember a quote he said to me "Silence is golden" RIP

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Memorial Events
for Patrick Curtin

May

31

Visitation

2:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Malecki Funeral Home Inc.

464 Sherrill Rd., Sherrill, NY

Jun

1

Service

10:30 a.m.

Holy Family Church

4352 Peterboro Street, Vernon, NY

Funeral services provided by:

Malecki Funeral Home, Inc. - Sherrill

464 Sherrill Rd, Sherrill, NY 13461

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