Obituary of Harry Curnick

Harry Joseph Curnick, outstanding husband, beloved father and grandfather died May 30, 2024 at the age of 91. He was predeceased by his parents, Harry C. and Catherine A. Curnick, and his wife Phyllis Kress Curnick. Harry is survived by his children: Kathie E. Curnick (Michael Shaffer) of Erving, MA; Michael Curnick (Julie) of Ten Mile, TN; Trish Curnick of Rochester, NY; Susan Stalls (Ben) of Irondequoit, NY and David Curnick (Sandi) of Concord, MA. He leaves behind five grandchildren: Jameson Curnick (Angelina Varagona) of Smyrna, TN; Chrisopher Curnick (Charline) of Atlanta, GA; Rachel Stalls of Irondequoit, NY; Benjamin Stalls of Bloomington, IN and Luke Curnick of Concord, MA.

Harry was a graduate of Thomas Aquinas HS and Alfred State College, receiving an Associate's degree in Applied Science. He was a United States Coast Guard veteran. In 1956, he married his childhood sweetheart, Phyllis Kress, and they made their home in Irondequoit, where they resided for 66+ years. He was employed by Rochester Gas & Electric as a Power Plant Mechanic for 30 years, and following his retirement, he remained busy, working part-time doing deliveries for Westfall Florist, and training yet another Old English Sheepdog.

Along with Phyllis, Harry considered his greatest achievement to be his five children. There was no shortage of fun: vacations, holidays, family gatherings with cousins, sporting events, graduations, weddings and visits from grandchildren, and visiting them, or simple backyard cookouts. His second passion was boating and fishing on Lake Ontario; the older the children got, the bigger the boat got. How he loved the 1000 Islands, Henderson Harbor (especially), and Lake Ontario.

His talents are too numerous to include here. He believed in service, and volunteered as a Boy Scout Leader for St. Margaret Mary's. When the troop struggled to continue, they needed a mentor and a strong leader and they got both. Harry, along with Phyllis (they were always together), also taught Pre-Cana classes for the church, and both qualified to deliver the Eucharist to home-bound individuals, often accompanied by a home-made baked goods or meals.

They were the best neighbors that anyone could have had on Seville Drive. But, more importantly, he was the BEST Dad anyone could hope to have.

A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Margaret Mary Church of Saint Kateri Tekawitha Parish, located at 401 Rogers Park Way, Irondequoit, NY, 14617, on June 21, 2024 at 10:00 AM. Immediately following the service, the family welcomes you to the Harris Family Center, 570 Kings Highway South, Irondequoit, NY, for a light lunch, and to have an opportunity to toast a life well-lived, and to share with family and friends.

In lieu of flowers, please do an act of kindness for an elderly neighbor who needs some conversation, or companionship. Or donate to a charity of your choice, because Dad's charities were very diverse.