Kenneth James Curran

Decorated World War II

Veteran

Kenneth James Curran, 89, died on February 19 at Laurel Ridge in Ridgefield. He was born in New York City on August 26, 1917, the son of James and Maria (McCarthy) Curran. At age 12 he moved to Putnam, N.Y., where he lived with Clinton and Catherine Burns, his uncle and aunt.

Six daughters, Bonnie Nezvesky of Newtown, Anita Causey of Texas, Linda Lee and her husband, Jim, of Bristol, N.H., Christine Curran and Gerry of Bethlehem, N.H., Deborah Starbuck of Miami, Fla., and Wendy Miller and her husband, Ray, of New Fairfield survive Mr Curran. He also leaves sisters Catherine Maguire of Ocala, Fla., and Eileen Betleski and her husband, Adrian, of Lorain, Ohio. His sister Patricia Elesio of Long Island predeceased him.

Mr Curran graduated from Brewster High School, followed by enlistment in the US 25th Bombardment Group Air Corps, France Field, Canal Zone, Panama, from 1935 to 1938. He was with the Royal Canadian Air Force in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, until 1943. On December 5, 1943, he entered active duty and completed the United States Army Air Force training as a pilot of a Flying Fortress (B-17). He flew in the European Theater air offensive over Europe’s Rhineland, completing 32 missions over occupied Europe in the 8th Air Force, 384th Bombardment Group. Mr Curran was awarded the European African Theater Campaign, The Disguised Flying Cross, The Air Metal, and three oak leaf clusters. He flew the course as briefed. After World War II he accepted an appointment as an officer in the National Reserve Corps with Honorable Discharge from the US Air Force in April 17, 1962.

Mr Curran was a longtime resident of Clinton and Madison. For 30 years, 1954–1984, Wyatt Oil Inc employed him as a heavy oil tanker driver. During his years driving for Wyatt he received both the One and Two Million-Mile Awards from the National Safety Council.

A memorial tribute for Mr Curran will be announced. Interment will be in the spring at The Newtown Village Cemetery.

Honan Funeral Home, 58 Main Street, Newtown, is in charge of arrangements.

Donations in his memory may be made to the Connecticut National Guard Foundation or the Military Relief Fund, both located at 360 Broad Street, Hartford CT 06105-3795.

The Newtown Bee        February 23, 2007