John H. Curabba

Greenville Township, NY

Mr. John H. Curabba of Greenville Township, NY died Wednesday, September 24, 2008 at Orange Regional Medical Center Horton Campus with his family by his side. He was 70.

He was born December 11, 1937 in Middletown, NY, the son of the late Nicholas and the late Frances Rosenbaum Curabba. He married Joyce H. Ruszkiewicz 46 years ago on January 28, 1962 in Pine Island, NY. John was the co-owner of P.J. Bowl in Port Jervis, NY. He formerly was a co-owner of Delaney & Associates Surveyors, Orange County Speed Center and C & C Auto Sales all in Middletown, NY.

He was a member of St. Mary's R.C. Church, Port Jervis, NY and The Wanderers Car Club Of Sussex, NJ. John proudly served his country in the U.S. Army National Guard.

A family statement read: "John had a great passion for life. He was passionate about model trains, fishing and cars. His passion coupled with his incredible talent resulted in a completely rebuilt 1941 Chevy Street Rod which he designed and rebuilt with the help of many great friends. It took seven years to complete and won many awards and 3 national events. The model train layouts which he built were a great joy for his children and grandchildren. He loved his children, their spouses and all of his grandchildren who called him "Pa." John's greatest passion was his wife Joyce "Face."

Surviving are wife, Joyce H. Curabba at home; son, John N. Curabba and his wife, Carol of Hillsborough, NJ; daughter, Deborah Curabba Dore and her husband, Jim of White Plains, NY; daughter, Victoria L. Reed and her husband, Brian of Greenville Township, NY; brother, Nicholas Curabba and his wife, Anita of Middletown, NY; seven grandchildren: Aidan, Liam, Owen, Colin, Jessica Lindsey, Courtney. He was predeceased brother, Richard "Dutchie" Curabba. Also several nieces and nephews.

Friends may call at the Gray-Parker Funeral Home, 100 E. Main St., Port Jervis, NY 12771 on Sunday, September 28, from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, September 29, with a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. in St. Joseph's R.C. Church, 307 Ave. F., Matamoras, PA 18336 with Rev. George Hafemann officiating. Burial will be at St. Mary's Cemetery, Port Jervis, NY.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Pulmonary Rehabilitation Organization that was very helpful to John. H & P Support Group, c/o Al Heath, PO Box 182, 17 John Court, Ironia, NJ 07845.

Funeral arrangements are by the Gray-Parker Funeral Home, 100 E. Main St., Port Jervis, NY 12771, 845.856.5191. For additional information, directions or to send a condolence note to the family visit www.grayparkerfuneralhome.com.