Kerry Rock Curran

WOONSOCKET - Kerry Rock Curran, 66, of Woonsocket, passed away peacefully with family by his side on Sunday, February 12, 2017.
Growing up happy at 144 Summer Street, "The Rock" spent his youth swimming at the YMCA, shooting rats at the dump, drinking his father's fresh squeezed orange juice every morning, and avoiding all manner of nun-related discipline at St. Charles Parish School. He always thought that particular skill had prepared him well for his career as a defensive lineman on Woonsocket High's football team.
After graduating from WHS and Rhode Island College, he embarked on what would become a successful and rewarding 32-year career working with the city's youth at the former Woonsocket Junior High. Although he started out teaching science, he soon transitioned into several niche roles that allowed him to make use of his greatest gifts: patience, creative problem solving, and a sincere desire to help students do well.
Mr. Curran wore many hats during his time at the middle school, but it was in his work as The Peace Man - the middle school's resident fixer - where he felt most effective and fulfilled. While difficult to put a fine point on any of his job descriptions, the results of his work were easy to see. He was fond of saying that his calling was to help the "square pegs who didn't fit into round holes," but mostly he just loved to work with students.
Kerry dedicated himself to working with youth outside of school as well. He especially enjoyed the many years he was involved with Special Olympics, Boy Scout Troop 1106, and Camp Ker-Anna. In each case, the work provided him with the opportunity to teach young people important life skills and, of course, his favorite sing-along sea shanties.
Even though she wasn't from the North End, Kerry married Georgette Dufresne anyway in August of 1971. All worked out for the best, and they celebrated their 45th anniversary last year. They have one son, Seth, of Woonsocket, who continues his father's work as a public school teacher. Mr. Curran was predeceased by his parents, James P. and Yvette (Choquette) Curran, and his brother, Dr. James P. Curran II. In addition to his wife, he is survived by his sisters, Maureen Morse of North Smithfield and Nancy Landry of Woonsocket.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, February 21, 2017 at St. Joseph Church, Mendon Road, Woonsocket. Burial will follow at St. Charles Cemetery, Blackstone, MA. Calling hours will be held at Holt Funeral Home, 510 South Main Street, Woonsocket on Monday, February 20 from 4 to 7 p.m.
Aside from the impatiens he would lovingly plant in the back yard every Mother's Day, Kerry did not have any strong feelings about flowers. In their stead, donations may be made to Camp Ker-Anna, 500 Reservoir Road, Cumberland, or to St. Joseph Church, 1200 Mendon Road, Woonsocket. www.holtfuneralhome.com