Obituaries
Obituary for Jesse Paul Curry
Peoria- Jesse Paul Curry’s generous heart stopped beating after a brief illness on Tuesday, August 21, 2018, surrounded by his loving family in Peoria.
Paul was born on February 13, 1937 in Cerro Gordo Township, IL., to Velda Ehrhardt and Jesse P. Curry, Sr. As the oldest of nine children, a father of five, and the loving husband to Donna, Paul was the definition of a kind-hearted, loving and generous man. His passion for serving others was evident every day, whether working at St. Peter’s Food Pantry, helping a neighbor, guiding children at the Wheels O’ Time Museum or serving as an American Legion Honor Guard. He was devoted to God and his country, having proudly served in the US Army, as a young man. He appreciated the opportunity to go on the 2018 Honor Flight to Washington, DC in May.
Paul didn’t know a stranger and was loved by everyone who met him. He was passionate about his family and any antique cars, especially his 1940 Plymouth. He delighted in driving it in parades and giving rides to anyone who was interested.
He was a proud member of the Steamfitters Local 353, the Knights of Columbus, the American Legion Post 1115 in Spring Bay and the Ancient Order of the Hibernians. He volunteered at and loved the Wheels O’ Time Museum, enjoyed the Illinois Valley Antique Automobile Club, was an enthusiastic RAGBRAI support driver for his daughter’s bicycle team and a member of the Unofficial Alta Tap Breakfast Club.
He will be greatly missed by Donna, his wife of 57 years, his children; Colleen (David) Lange, Michele (Gary) Curry-Hunt, Regina Curry (Jeff Sweazy), Dan (Brenda) Curry, and Doug (Tracie) Curry, his grandchildren; Brett (Sara), Jay, and Gary Skillestad, Hanna (Taylor) Miller, Jessie Danielle, Michael (Luka), and Jacob Curry, Joe Ryan, Rachel and Stephen (Amanda) Hunt, Heather (Michael) Thoman, ten greatgrandchildren, and his brothers; Pete (Nancy), Jim (Mary), Mike (Mary), Tom (Carlene), Joe Curry and his sisters; Faye (Jack) Hill and Jeri (Bob) Myers.
He was preceded in death by his parents, dear sister, Pat and son-in-law, Gary Hunt.
A visitation will be 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM on Friday, August 24, 2018 at Wright & Salmon Mortuary. A Funeral Mass will be at 11:00 AM, Saturday, August 25, 2018 at St. Bernard’s Catholic Church with a half hour prior visitation. Fr. James Pankiewicz and Msgr. Stanley Deptula will officiate and burial will follow in Resurrection Cemetery in Peoria, IL.
In Paul’s memory, donate blood, visit the Wheels O’ Time Museum or strike up a conversation with a stranger to make a new friend as Paul would have.
Memorials may be made to the Peoria Area Honor Flight or WTVP Public Television.
Friends and family may sign the online guestbook or send private condolences to www.wrightandsalmon.com
Previous Events
Visitation
Friday
24
Aug
4:00 PM
- 6:00 PM
Wright & Salmon Mortuary
2416 N. North Street
Peoria, IL 61604
Visitation
Saturday
25
Aug
10:30 AM
- 11:00 AM
St. Bernard Catholic Church
509 E Kansas
Peoria, IL 61603
Funeral Mass
Saturday
25
Aug
11:00 AM
St. Bernard Catholic Church
509 E Kansas
Peoria, IL 61603
Cemetery Details
Location
Resurrection Cemetery
7519 N. Allen Road
Peoria, IL 61614
Memorial Contribution
Greater Peoria Honor Flight
WTVP Public Television Station
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