Obituary
Brian J. Curtin, 68, of New Smyrna Beach FL. went to his eternal rest on October 14, 2017. Brian passed away after a brief fight against pancreatic cancer. He went peacefully at home with his beloved wife, Mary Jo, at his side. Brian was a loving husband, father, brother, uncle, and friend to many. Born on April 2, 1949 in Sioux City, IA, Brian was the first of seven children to Raymond and Maxine Curtin. The family moved to Sioux Falls, SD where Brian grew up, graduating from O’Gorman High School. Upon graduation he volunteered for the Navy, serving honorably in Vietnam as a Navy Medical Corpsman then in the Navy Reserves until his retirement from the Navy. Upon returning from Vietnam, Brian attended the University of South Dakota where he received his Criminal Justice degree. He worked for and retired from the South Dakota State Penitentiary in many roles including correctional officer, counselor, prison farm manager, and working with many programs relating to prisoner rehabilitation. After moving to Minnesota, Brian continued his career in the correctional field and retired from the Washington County Jail in Stillwater, MN. When he retired, he took up his last job driving elderly people to doctor appointments. He always said he “loved his little old ladies” Through mutual friends, Brian met his wife Mary Jo in Sioux Falls, SD. They married on January 2, 1982. They celebrated 35 years of marriage this past January. They enjoyed their quiet Saturday mornings, cruises with friends, and going on adventures together. They became the proud parents of their beautiful daughter, Melissa, on December 4, 1983. The family moved in 1996 to Minnesota where Brian could indulge his love of hockey as a season ticket holder for the Minnesota Wild. Brian enjoyed participating and watching many different sports. Over the years, Brian was a member of golfing and bowling leagues in Sioux Falls and then enjoyed bowling in New Smyrna Beach where he made many friends. Brian will always be remembered by family and friends for as a gentle soul with his unfailing kindness and willingness to help anyone, anytime. Brian and Mary Jo moved to New Smyrna Beach in December 2014. Brian loved living in Florida, calling New Smyrna Beach his paradise and stated that the last two years were the best years of his life. Brian is survived by his wife, Mary Jo and his daughter, Melissa of Vadnais Heights, MN. He is also survived by his sister, Linda Behrmann (John), Chattanooga, TN, Maureen Curtin, Sioux Falls, SD, Sharon Hoiland (Mark), Sioux Falls, SD and Paul Curtin (Juanita), Sioux Falls, SD. Brian will be missed by all of his nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews. Brian was preceded in death by his parents Raymond and Maxine Curtin, and his brothers, Rex and Bruce Curtin.
A memorial service will be 2:00 PM Friday, November 3 at St Odilia Catholic Church 3495 Victoria St N, Shoreview MN 56716. Visitation will begin at 1:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Pancreatic Cancer Research, American Heart Association, or veteran service charities. Thank you to special friends, Norm and Sue Silfkin and Lori Elder, who have provided great comfort and support to Mary Jo at this difficult
Share a memory with the family at www.BaldwinCremation.com.
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In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Pancreatic Cancer Research, American Heart Association, or veteran service charities.
Thank you to special friends, Norm and Sue Silfkin and Lori Elder, who have provided great comfort and support to Mary Jo at this difficult time.
Liz
You are in my thoughts and prayers at this sad time. I have know Brian since I have known Maureen and as everyone knows that has been forever! If you are a friend of a Curtin you are a family member for sure. I feel blessed to have know Brian through the years as a great guy, husband, father and friend to many. He lives on with the Lord!!!!
Just Begun
Don't think of Him as gone away-
His Journey's just begun,
life holds so many facets--
this earth is only one.
Just think of him as resting
from the sorrows and the tears
in a place of warmth and comfort
where there are no days and years.
Think how he must be wishing
that we could know today
how nothing but our sadness
can really pass away.
And think of him as living
in the hearts of those he touched---
for nothing loved is ever lost
And he was loved so much.
and a very special person. It was my honor to know Brian. He will be so missed in our bowling leagues. He always had a smile,and I loved seeing that every week. Prayers are with you both.
I have never met you or Brian but through Lori we have followed your journey and feel we know you. Out hearts hurt for you. Out prayers cover you.
Please know how sorry and saddened I am by the passing of Brian. I have very fond memories made over the years when you lived in Sioux Falls & Vadnais Heights. You are in my thoughts and prayers now and in the days to come. May God comfort you and grant you peace. My sympathies to you and all the family. Love and hugs.
Judy