Michael Curran

1949 - 2021

Deacon Michael Curran

Michael Francis Curran was born to the late Francis "Frank" and Frances "Fran" Curran on March 13th 1949 in Chicago Illinois. Mike was the oldest of five children. He is survived by siblings Mary (Jerry), Chris (Liz), and Connie (Marty). His youngest brother Robert "Bob" Curran (Kathy) passed away in 2016. Throughout Mike's lifetime a common theme was at the forefront, service. Mike was a Boy Scout, an Altar server at St Pius, his teenage years Mike attended Bishop Meage Seminary where service for something greater than self was harbored.

That same spirit propelled Mike to follow in the footsteps of his Dad and enlist in the US Navy during the Vietnam War. He met his future wife Elizabeth Fowlie while home on leave early in his time in the Navy. They married shortly after meeting. Mikes Navy service brought them to several states, and they settled in Kansas City, MO when he finished his time in the navy. Mike joined the Mission Kansas Police Department and achieved the rank of Sargent. As the years went by the lure of warmer weather and family called. He packed the station wagon, loaded up 5 Children, and said goodbye to the Midwest headed to the San Francisco Bay Area where Mike would reside for the rest of his life.

Mike loved San Francisco. He was an avid sports fan. Mike loved the 49ers, Giants, Warriors, Cal, and Stanford. He also had a passion for Notre Dame Football (go Irish!).

Mike is survived by his five Children: Mike Jr., Dennis (Raquel), Robert (Kasey), Pat (Maggie), and Elizabeth. When asked what brought the greatest joy to his life, Mike was swift to answer: "my kids" Grandchildren, Noreen, Michael, Patrick, Sebastian, Dennis, Sean, John, Christian, Thomas, Matthew, Delaney and Isabella. Life does what life will do and both Mike and Elizabeth both remarried later in life. They both found happiness.

Mike married Dianna Dodds. Their hobbies were numerous and included baseball games at the stick, season tickets at ATT Park, and spending time with friends and family. Mike took a liking for cooking, hand cut pastas, entertaining, socializing and traveling. Both Mike and Dianna were active Parishioners at St. Dominic's Church. Unwavering faith in God was a driving force in Mike's life. His faith carried him when Diana was diagnosed with terminal cancer. Mike was her primary caregiver at home. Dianna passed away November 22, 2000. Mikes faith was strong. He never wondered or questioned God. He accepted the situation. He relied on his faith to get him through the hardest time in his life.
Mike could once again feel the calling to serve. Mike completely gave himself to Jesus and was ordained a Deacon in the Diocese of San Francisco. His life would never be the same. Mike was assigned to St. Dominic's parish. A peace came over him and he shared that quality with everyone he encountered.
Mike was asked how he wanted to be remembered. He said "I want to be remembered for serving the poor. I tried making a difference in the lives of everyone I encountered at the Lima Center." He continued "never have I felt closer to God then I did at the Lima Center."

Deacon Mike Curran peacefully passed away April 13th 2021 at the Veterans Hospital in Martinez, CA. Mike has fulfilled every obligation Jesus asks of him, his family takes comfort in knowing exactly where he is.
Many relationships were forged through his ministry at St Dominic's and Rose Court where Deacon Mike resided for many years. These two communities left an indelible mark on Deacon Mike's heart and soul.

Personally, we want to thank our brother Rob, sister-in-law Kasey, nephews John, Tom, and Matt for the sacrifices they made making their home Mike's home in his final years.
Sr. Cathryn deBack, OP, Sr. Anne Bertain, OP, and Deacon Jimmy Salcido - thank you for the love and friendship you showed Mike over the years. We hope you took something from him that touched your heart as well.

Dr. Allison Ludwig, formerly of the Veterans Hospital at Ft Miley in SF, thank you for your years of attentive care. In addition, there are two people in particular at the Veteran's facility in Martinez we would like to recognize. Michael and Tonya, thank you for taking care of our dad in his final days. Thank you for your hard work and patience. Not only for Mike but for the countless other Veterans you serve every day. It's a difficult job and you do it well. You made a difference for the better and we thank you.

Services for Deacon Mike will be held at St Dominic's Catholic Church in San Francisco. The family welcomes you to attend the services at St Dominic's. The Vigil-Rosary service is Monday April 26th at 6:30pm. The funeral mass is Tuesday April 27th at 10:30am. Thank you in advance for wearing a mask at the Church services. A private burial service for immediate family, clergy and the Dominican Sisters will be held at Holy Cross Catholic cemetery in Colma following the funeral.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to these organizations:
- St. Dominic's Community Services - Lima Center
In Memory of Mike Curran
2390 Bush Street
San Francisco, CA 94115
- Rose Court
In Memory of Mike Curran
2501 Pine Street
San Francisco ca 94115
- The Dominican Sisters of
San Rafael
In Memory of Mike Curran
1520 Grand Ave
San Rafael, CA 94901