Curtis R. McCaskey, 67

August 31, 2024

In the early morning hours of Saturday, August 31,2024 Curt slipped away from his life on earth to rest in eternal peace. While we are profoundly sad, we are also comforted knowing that he is no longer suffering. Curt was with his wife Kathy at the time of his passing. He was fortunate enough to have his 2 older brothers Joe and Dave (McCaskey) by his side on the evening of his passing, sending him off with love and affection.

Born and raised, with the exception of his last 2 years, Curt lived his entire life in Lancaster County. Curt is survived by his loving and devoted wife of Kathy (Helfrich) McCaskey with whom he celebrated 22 years of marriage on July 4th. He is also survived by his step son Jared (Lee) Helfrich).

Curt was the loving son of the late Dorothy McCaskey (Hildebrand) and Walter McCaskey. He was also predeceased by his sister Janice (Roxanne).
Surviving in addition to his wife and step son, are his siblings Joseph (Ginny), Dave (Donna), Deborah Lynch (Jerome), Annice Bailey (Mark), Amy Gregg (Dean), Colin (Deb), and many nieces and nephews.

Curt was a 1975 graduate of Lancaster Catholic High School where he participated in Marching Band and Dance Band, and the school Spring Musicals.
Following high school, Curt attended Millersville University and earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in May 1983.

Curt began his professional career with the Navy @ the Navy Ships Part Control Center in Harrisburg from 1983-1989. In 1989 he joined AMP Incorporated as a System’s Analyst until 1997. At this time Curt decided that he could make more of a societal contribution in the field of Education, and made the decision to return to school and he obtained his Masters of Education from Millersville University in August of 2000. During this time, he became a volunteer for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Lancaster County. In 1998, Curt was honored as the G.W. Davis Big Brother of the Year. The selection for these awards is made by a panel of judges including agency staff, board members, community members, a United Way representative and at least two former G.W. Davis Jr. Award winners.

In August 1998, Curt became a 5th Grade teacher at Fritz Elementary School in the Conestoga Valley School District and found a career in education that he loved and embraced.
During his time at Fritz Elementary, he attended the Graduate School program at the University of Pennsylvania for Aspiring Principals and Leaders and received his Certification. (August 2007-August 2008) 

During this time, he also enjoyed attending Lancaster Catholic football games and watching and listening to Jared play in the Marching Band using the same trumpet that he played when he was a student LCHS. He also enjoyed attending Jared’s LCHS tennis team matches.


In March of 2009, Curt became the Principal at Blue Ball Elementary School in the Eastern Lancaster County School District, a position he held until March of 2018. At that time he moved to the position of Coordinator of Non-Traditional Programs & Student Services as part of the ELANCO School District Administration Team. While serving in this position, he was also the School District’s representative to The New Holland Rotary, the School District’s representative to The New Holland Business Association and the School Districts representative to Career Ready Lancaster.

In June of 2022 Curt retired from ELANCO, and moved to Beaufort SC. Sadly, his retirement ended on August 31, 2024. He briefly enjoyed pursuing his favorite activities – reading on the front porch, reading on the beach at Hunting Island, walking along the Broad River across the street, watching as much football as possible, especially his favorite teams – the Philadelphia Eagles, Penn State, and Clemson and (having never been a baseball fan) after several years of prodding, he also became a Baltimore Orioles fan.

In keeping with his generous spirit and love of learning, he made the donation of his body to the Anatomical Gift Program of the Medical University of South Carolina Department of Regenerative Medicine & Cell Biology.

The family would like to thank Dr. Robert M. Kotloff, Pulmonary Medicine @ The University of Pennsylvania Herron Lung Center Perelman for his outstanding medical care and compassion in managing Curt’s IPF. He is not only a great doctor; he is a wonderful human being.
We would also like to express our appreciation to Friends of Caroline Hospice for their care of Curt, especially his nurse Jamie who managed every aspect of Curt’s care with kindness and professionalism.

A Mass of Christian burial will be held at St Mary’s Catholic Church 119 S. Prince St Lancaster PA on Thursday September 19 at 10am with Rev. Brian Olkowski as Celebrant. A visitation with the family will be held at the Charles F Snyder Jr Funeral Home and Crematory 3110 Lititz Pike Lititz Pa on Wednesday September 18 from 6-8pm.
Memorial contributions can be made in Curt’s name to: Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation 230 East Ohio Street Suite 500
 Chicago IL 60611 (EIN: 84-1558631) St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital Danny Thomas Place
 Memphis TN 38105

Watch the tribute video