Richard F. Curran

1927 - 2015

Richard F. Curran

Born: March 25, 1927; in Dixon, IL

Died: June 18, 2015; in Downers Grove, IL

Richard F. Curran, age 88, passed away peacefully Thursday, June 18, 2015, at Oak Trace Senior Living Community, Downers Grove, with his family at his side.

Born March 25, 1927, in Dixon to Harold and Anne (nee Fielding) Curran, he was a graduate of 1944 graduate Aquin High School, and attended Loras College. He served with the United States Navy during World War II and the Korean War. A long time Joliet Area resident and formerly of Dixon, Sterling, Freeport and Plainfield Illinois, Richard and his wife Priscilla enjoyed 20 years of retirement wintering in Siesta Key Florida.

Richard was the retired President of the Will County Municipal League and considered among his greatest accomplishments being one of the active participants in the development if I-355 Veterans Parkway connecting I-55 and I-80. Founding member of the West Jefferson Business Association. He also served as a Joliet City Councilman from 1963-1971, and was a member of District #86 Board of Education from 1955-1961, serving as President from 1958-1961.

He was an active member of the Cathedral of St. Raymond Nonnatus, where he served as head usher for many years, and a member of the Joliet Rotary Club for over 30 years.He enjoyed sharing a childhood story of delivering the Dixon Evening Telegraph newspaper to his favorite customer, Ronald Reagan's mother, Nelle.

Surviving are his beloved wife, Priscilla (nee McKewan) Curran; his children, Kathleen (James) Schlesser of Naperville, Michael (Colleen) Curran of Bloomington, Jane (William) Purpura of Darien, and Timothy Curran of St. Louis, MO; eight grandchildren, Jay Schlesser, Katy Law, Andrew Schlesser, Steve Schlesser, John Curran, Daniel Curran, Kelly Curran and Patti Purpura; five great-grandchildren; one sister, Julianne "Julie" (late John) Heilman of Bettendorf, IA; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Preceded by his parents; and one brother, Dr. Eugene (Germaine) Curran.

Funeral services for Richard Curran will be Tuesday, June 23, 2015, at 9:15 a.m. from the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, 3200 Black at Essington Rds., Joliet to the Cathedral of St. Raymond Nonnatus for a Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. Fr. Brad Baker Officiating. Interment will be private.

Memorials in his name to the Cathedral of St. Raymond Nonnatus Renovation Fund, mass intentions, or the charity of your choice would be appreciated.

Visitation will be Monday, from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the funeral home.

For information (815) 741-5500 or visit his Book of Memories at www.fredcdames.com.