Harry M. Curley

Harry M. Curley passed away peacefully to be with his Lord and Savior on Tuesday, April 23, 2024. He was born on May 12, 1930 in Morristown, New Jersey to Hazel (Hall) and Edward T.P. Curley. He had a purposeful presence and a contagious smile, touching lives with steering words and a healing humor that hit their mark. Harry provided life traction to his hockey players, work associates, family and friends, providing them with tools to grow mentally strong, climb mountains and succeed in life. With a plentiful supply of wit, humor and storytelling abilities, there were no strangers to Harry. His audiences were always left grasping their bellies in laughter, which was Harry’s token ingredient for a flourishing life.

Harry attended Rome Free Academy where he excelled in academics and sports, graduating in 1947. He proudly served his country during the Korean War in the US Army. After being honorably discharged from military service, Harry started a family with his love, Carolyn, in Westvale. His devotion as a bright engineer at General Electric in Syracuse, NY spanned 40 years. He would spend the last few years of his career in Saudi Arabia, leading an operation installing Radar Systems which would prove beneficial during the Gulf War.

Harry spent most of his adult life coaching and mentoring youth players in two of his favorite sports, ice hockey and baseball. His passion for ice hockey inspired a 33-year coaching career in the Camillus Youth Hockey Association, beginning in 1972. Harry was instrumental in establishing the first Girls Hockey Program for the CYHA in Central NY. Coach Curley received several awards and recognitions over the years for his dedication and commitment, notably the The Tom Korpolinski Award in 2001. The New York State Amateur Hockey Association provided this award to Harry for being instrumental at the “Grass Roots” level during his years at the Camillus Youth Hockey Association.

In 2007, “The Harry M Curley Award” was created. Camillus Youth Hockey established this award to be given in Harry Curley’s name annually to individuals who have provided outstanding service to the CYHA and acted in the same spirit as Coach Curley so humbly did. Coach Curley spent his lifetime developing and inspiring countless young players to become respectful and responsible individuals by instilling core values such as teamwork, structure, discipline and dedication.

Hold tight to your memories of this purposeful and amazing man with a contagious smile that God sent our way. We will cherish Harry’s favorites; Fish Creek, fireworks (famous for his pyrotechnics displays), bridge and pitch, piano, reading thousands of books, the Boston Red Sox, Syracuse basketball (boiling sap during March madness), Hoddy’s Homemade Wild Grape Jelly, Millsite Lake vacations in Redwood, NY, and most importantly, Harry’s “ever luvin’” Carolyn, who made all of his greatness possible.

He is survived by his loving wife of 70 years, Carolyn Curley. The two married on December 24, 1954 in St. Peter's Church. He was predeceased by his son, Michael Curley (Theresa) of Cazenovia. He is survived by four children, Christine Evans of Boston, Karen Cadwell of Syracuse, Daniel Curley (Dina) of Skaneateles and Kristin Houser (John) of Marcellus. He was predeceased by brothers, E.T. Patrick, Robert, Timothy, James and Kent Curley and sister Mary Stoel. He is also survived by eight grandchildren, Renee Lavine (John), Justin St. John (Wendy), Brandon St. John (Jennifer), Shannon St. John, Kara Cadwell, Hannah Cadwell, Emily Houser and John Michael Houser, and 9 great grandchildren; Zachary and Jacob Lavine, Skyla St. John, Julianna and Alexa St. John, Bennett and Cecilia St. John; Elijah and Landon LaForte, and many loving nieces and nephews.

Calling hours will be held from 3:00p.m. - 6:00p.m. on Tuesday, April 30th at New Comer Cremations and Funerals in North Syracuse, NY. A memorial service will be held at 6:00p.m. directly following the calling hours. Harry will be laid to rest next to his son, Michael.

Donations can be made in Harry’s memory to, In My Father’s Kitchen (IMFK). Checks can be sent (in memory of Harry Curley in the memo line) to: In My Father’s Kitchen (IMFK), 501 Hawley Ave Syracuse, NY 13203. Donations can also be given online at www.inmyfatherskitchen.org.

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