Joseph Edward Curzi
Joseph Edward Curzi, 80, passed away Sunday during a brief stay in Presbyterian Hospital in Albuquerque, N.M., due to multiple complications.
Joe was born on May 19, 1934, in Butler, to the late Faust and Angelina Curzi.
He was raised an avid outdoorsman and hunter and his love of firearms and shooting started early.
At the age of 15, he helped his father build their home in Castle Heights in Butler and worked at a nearby roller rink, helping kids put on and take off their skates. Joe also worked at a local grocery market before graduating from Butler High School.
Joe followed the family tradition and worked at the ARMCO Steel mill before being drafted into the U.S. Army. Joe served two years in the Army, then headed back to Butler and enrolled at Penn State, while working in the steel mill. He pursued a degree in drafting.
His love of Chevys lasted his lifetime, and his 1955 Bel Air and Corvette are prized possessions.
Joe met the love of his life, Luella Schall, at a local dance. They both loved to dance and ended up marrying on Sept. 17, 1959.
Joe was offered a job at Sandia National Laboratories in Albuquerque where he worked as a draftsman and engineer for more than 34 years.
Joe's love and commitment to his family, faith and country was apparent in all that he did. He was an outspoken patriot and defender of the Second Amendment and a champion marksman. Camping trips, sailing and hiking expeditions and road trips to Pennsylvania in the summer filled the lives of Joe, Luella and their three daughters, Katie, Carolyn and Sharon. He and Luella emphasized the importance of knowing family with yearly trips back east to be with cousins, aunts, uncles and grandparents. He loved the mountains of the west and hunted many deer, elk and grouse in the beloved Carson National Forest, a place that felt like coming home to all who know and love him. His passion for the outdoors has been passed on to his children and grandchildren along with his unwavering conservative values, love of country and faith in God.
Joseph is survived by his wife of 55 years, Luella; his sister, Sylvia and her husband, Jim, of Tucson, Ariz.; his brother, Chup and his wife, Robby, of Hartville, Ohio; his three daughters, Katie (Keith) van Heyningen, Carolyn (Stuart) Buckingham and Sharon (James) Eanes; his grandchildren, Lisa, Joel, Sam, Lauren, Cam and Jake; and his great-grandchildren, Martha and Ed.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his infant twin brother, Dominic, and his beloved golden retriever, Calvin.
Another member of America's “Greatest Generation” has moved on to claim his place in heaven and to redeem The Lord's promise of everlasting life. When we view the starry skies from his favorite camping spot in the El Rito, we will remember and be grateful for a life well and fully lived.
Curzi — A public memorial for Joseph Edward Curzi, who passed away Sunday, Nov. 30, 2014, will be at 10 a.m. Saturday at the Covenant Presbyterian Church in Albuquerque, N.M., followed by a private interment All are welcome to attend and celebrate Joe's life.In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Wounded Warriors Project.
