William Edmond Curtin, 87

July 13, 2016

William Edmond Curtin, 87, of Lancaster, Pennsylvania died on Wednesday, July 13th, 2016, at St. Anne’s Retirement Community in Columbia. Born on April 17, 1929 in Reading, Pennsylvania, he was the son of the late Joseph F. and Josephine Gantert Curtin. He attended St. Margaret’s Elementary School and Reading Central Catholic High School, graduating with the class of 1947. He served in the United States Air Force during the Korean War. On September 3, 1955, he married Rita M. Rocktashel, to whom he was married for fifty-nine years. Bill enjoyed a life-long career with IBM Corporation as a Field Manager, retiring in March 1990. He was honored with membership in IBM’s Quarter Century Club.

Bill lived a life of service to God and others. He was a Roman Catholic and a founding member of St. Leo the Great Parish. He served as President of the Parish Council, Rite of Christian Initiation sponsor, Youth Committee Representative, Boys’ and Girls’ Basketball Coach, Girls’ Softball Coach and Cub Scout Committeeman. Bill volunteered annually for the St. Leo Clothing Drive and the St. Leo Festival. Through the years, Bill also participated in numerous other parish activities including the St. Leo Christmas Tree Sale and the Lenten Appeal. He also volunteered for several years at the Lancaster Catholic High School Festival. He served as a Eucharistic Minister at Lancaster General Hospital and was a member of the Knights of Columbus.

Bill grew up working in his uncles’ auto repair business where he developed an affinity for working on cars and working with his hands. He was not only a skilled mechanic but also an avid do-it-yourself handyman around the house, always willing to pick up some tools and tackle a home improvement project.

During his retirement, Bill traveled to Ballina, County Tipperary, Ireland several times to unite with family and to compile Curtin genealogy. He attended the second gathering of the Curtin Clan Association Reunion held in Lisdoonvarna, County Clare in April, 2001.

Bill was an equal opportunity sports enthusiast, passing the various seasons of the year rotating his attentions through football, baseball and basketball. He attended high school, collegiate and professional sporting events; his favorite teams included the Penn State Nittany Lions, the Michigan Wolverines, the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, the Philadelphia Eagles and the Phillies. In addition, Bill loved to attend the PIAA boys’ and girls’ basketball championship weekend on an annual basis with his very dear friends. He also enjoyed going to the Palestra for Big 5 basketball games and travelling to McGonigle Hall to watch the Temple Owls. He was always keen to teach and coach solid skill fundamentals, rules of play and lessons of good sportsmanship to anyone who shared these interests.

Bill is survived by his four children: Monica Aguirre (Manuel) of Phoenix, Arizona, William M. Curtin, M.D. (Anne) of Lititz, Pennsylvania, John M. Curtin (Julie) of Lancaster, Pennsylvania, and Mary Kay Lee (William) of Youngstown, Ohio; seven grandchildren: Alex, Andrew, Martin, Michael, Mark, Natalie and Owen; two brothers: James P. Curtin, husband of Mary Theresa, West Pittston, Pennsylvania, and John Laurence, husband of Lynn, Mt. Penn, Pennsylvania; a sister, Margaret McDevitt of Wilmington, Delaware; a sister-in-law, Joanne Curtin of Westminster, Massachusetts and many beloved nieces and nephews. Bill is preceded in death by his wife, Rita, and two brothers: Reverend Joseph F. Curtin and Theodore G. Curtin. He will be remembered as a devoted spouse, loving father, committed brother and loyal friend. His ready smile and caring concern for others will be greatly missed. Always quick to provide a comforting word, Bill was fond of saying: “Don’t sweat the small stuff, and it’s all small stuff”.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, July 23rd at 11:00 a.m. in Pauline Hall, St. Anne’s Retirement Community, 3952 Columbia Ave, Columbia with the Reverend Norman Hohenwarter officiating. Same day viewing will be held from 9:30 a.m.-11:00 a.m. Interment, with full military honors, will take place in St. Joseph’s New Catholic Cemetery in Bausman, Pennsylvania, immediately after Mass.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Lancaster Catholic High School Rossmere Stadium fund, 650 Juliette Ave, Lancaster, PA 17601 or Berks Catholic High School Athletic Program, 955 E. Wyomissing Blvd, Reading, PA 19611, or to St. Leo the Great Catholic Church, 2427 Marietta Ave, Lancaster, PA 17601.