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John Curtiss Obituary
John attended Williston Academy, Bates College, and University of Pennsylvania Dental School. After graduating from dental school, John and Sue settled in San Diego, while John served his tour in Vietnam as a lieutenant commander in the U.S. Navy - a role he was stoically proud of and of which he shared many memories, especially in recent years. Upon his return from Vietnam, John and Sue started their family by welcoming their first-born, Matthew. After his discharge from the Navy, John and Sue found their forever hometown in Mystic, close to where John opened his dental practice in Groton, and where they also welcomed their second son, Andrew.
John was a long-time member of Ram Island Yacht Club, Black Hall Club and Stonington Country Club. John enjoyed boating with friends in the summers in Mystic, spending winter weekends in Vermont skiing at Haystack and Mount Snow, followed by spontaneous gatherings with close friends, and sometimes strangers, at their wonderful Vermont farmhouse. Most of all, John loved the game of golf. If he wasn't tooling around in his garage with one of his prized antique cars or building epic bonfires in the fields of Vermont, you could always find him on the golf course. One of John's proudest moments was his hole-in-one that he (finally) made at the age of 77. It could be said John chose to leave us when he did, so he could have one of the best views of The Masters.
John touched many people in his full life. He was charming, thoughtful, genuinely kind and had an amazing sense of humor. He made you feel as if you'd been friends for years, even if you just met him; His door and his arms were always open.
John is survived by the love of his life, Sue Ellen; his sons, Matthew (CC) of Groton, and Andrew (Mary Kay) of Simsbury; his grandchildren, Evin, Lily and Jane, whom he adored and loved to watch play sports and perform in theater; his sister Carolyn Peele; and several nieces and nephews. John is predeceased by his parents, William and Evelyn; and his sister Cornelia McDade.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, May 10, at Ram Island Yacht Club. The Dinoto Funeral Home is assisting the family.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for John Curtiss
Sponsored by Dinoto Funeral Home.
Jan D Gulden D M D
November 11, 2025
I remember John very well. He was a classmate of mine in Dental School. He and his wife came to my wedding on June 26 1965.
John Harper
May 17, 2025
John Harper, Hank Hatch, Williston football coach Dan Carpenter, Captain John Curtiss, Charlie DeRose in 2012. All of us were starters on the 1958 team.
Second picture was John Curtiss getting a hole in one. He was so excited it looks like he drove the golf cart right over the green!
Bill Holt
May 4, 2025
As his Bates classmate, friend, admirer, and fellow Vietnam veteran I´ll miss him. Condolences to Sue.
Wendy Hilton Barella
May 4, 2025
It is with deep sorrow and a very heavy heart, that I say good-bye to my very dear friend, John Curtiss.
Sue, Matt, Andy, and family, you have my deepest sympathies. Prayers,support, and much love to you all!
I had the honor privilege of not only working with John as his dental assistant for many years, but years of friendship until he passed. He always had a joke to start the day, and as he said it, "we worked hard but had a lot of laughs"! I will miss exchanging cards,pictures, stories, and continued updates on our lives and families over the years.
Having the great fortune to meet John forever changed my life and that of my children. I will always be grateful for his friendship and support! He helped me become a better person and I have always tried to pay it forward. He even influenced my tastes in music. Introducing me to the Traveling Wilburys and Jimmy Buffet. I will always remember his story of working in his dental trailer in Vietnam (thank you for your service!) and how every time he would hear the song California Dreamin' he would think of home and how much he missed his family. I think of John any time I hear this song.
May you rest in peace, my dear friend.
Wendy Hilton Barella,
Newport, RI United States
George and Dottie Stone
May 2, 2025
John was a great classmate at Bates College - always with a smile and a 'hello' for all.
We are so sorry to learn of his passing. Our Thoughts are with Sue Ellen and family.
Natalie and David Hosford
May 1, 2025
Sincere condolences from all the members of the Bates College Class of 1963.
David and Natalie (Shober) Hosford
Tom Sullivan
April 23, 2025
John, always with a smile on his face, would drop of a carton of experienced golf balls to his golfing buddies as Santa's Elf at Christmas. We will miss you on the Links and at the Point!
John keleher
April 21, 2025
God speed my friend and to all the folks in heaven fore
John Keleher
Bernie Nasser
April 20, 2025
To the Curtiss Family:
My sympathies on the loss of John! We met many years ago when Matt and Andy played Soccer for me at Fitch! John was ever present along with Sue helping wherever and whenever necessary. A truly great individual that touched the lives of many especially in his DENTAL PRACTICE! I remember when Andy graduated and we held their senior celebration party after the grad ceremony. I, as class advisor, was the official doorman welcoming each senior as they entered the party. John went out of his way to get me a tuxedo to wear in order to make me REALLY official! The students loved it and I will never forget his help!! I last spoke to John when we inducted Andy into the Fitch Athletic Hall of Fame"2' years ago. He still had that unique sense of humor and didn't forget that I was a Pennsylvania guy!! Always with a quick wit and smile, John has left his legacy for his family and friends. May your soul rest in peace, my friend!!
Dave Fairman
April 13, 2025
Rest in Peace John
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