Obituary of James E. Curley

James Edward Curley, 84, of Binghamton, left this world with dignity and on his terms, Thursday, August 28, 2024 with family at his side. A life-long West Sider, Jim was born at Lourdes Hospital on January 14, 1940, to Albinus (AJ) and Noralene (Castner) Curley. He graduated from Binghamton Central High School in 1958 and attended Broome Technical Community College, now known as SUNY Broome. After school, Jim worked as a butcher at Harris Food Lines and continued part-time at other area markets including Masciarelli's and the White Star Market on the South Side. From 1986 through 1991, he owned and operated European Meats, specializing in smoked kielbasa and other Polish delicacies—not bad for an Irishman. In May of 1967, he joined his brother, Tom, on the Binghamton Fire Department, serving proudly alongside his brothers for thirty-four years. In 1962, Jim married JoAnne Kovac, the love of his life. Together they shared 57 years of marriage and built a beautiful life based on trust, respect, and love that never wavered. Over the years, countless memories were made with dear friends, family, and, of course, their grandchildren whom they adored. They were partners in crime and best friends. Jim selflessly and tenderly cared for JoAnne during her illness and has missed her every day since her passing in 2019. In addition to JoAnne and his parents, Jim was also pre-deceased by his brother, Thomas J. Curley, brother-in-law, William J. Kovac, son-in-law, Jonathan Franzel, and niece, Lisa Curley. He is survived by his children, Coleen Franzel, Gloucester, MA, Cheryl (Jeffrey) Arouth, Salem, MA, Brian (Jeanne) Curley, Franklin, MA, his grandchildren, Marin Franzel, Hunter and Griffin Arouth, and Devin Curley, nephew Thomas (Mireille) Curley, and sister-in-law, Gail Kovac. A Funeral Mass will be offered at St. Thomas Aquinis Church, Highland Avenue, Binghamton on Saturday, September 14th at 9:30 a.m. Entombment will be in Calvary Cemetery, Johnson City. The family will receive friends at the J. A. McCormack Sons Funeral Home, 141 Main Street, Binghamton, Friday, September 13th from 3 to 6 p.m. In place of flowers, Jim requested donations be made in his memory to The Retired Professional Fire Fighter's Cancer Fund, 4 Loretta Drive, Binghamton, NY 13905 (www.letsfirecancer.org) Jim's family wish to thank the wonderful staff at Good Shepherd Fairview Home for taking such good care of their pal, "Curley." There are many others who have kept a watchful eye on Jim these past few years. If you opened a door, gave up your seat, even refilled the ice in his pint glass, know these small kindnesses were never overlooked. The Mass will be livestreamed at www.sta-sp.org