Obituary of Edward F Curley

Edward Francis Curley, age 80, died suddenly on Saturday, January 13, 2024, in Punta Gorda, Florida. Born in Montclair, New Jersey on December 9, 1943, the son of the late John J. and Margaret Curley. Ed spent his early years growing up in Caldwell, NJ actively involved in sports. He attended Immaculate Conception Elementary and High School in Montclair and graduated from Villanova University in 1964. Ed served his country as a Sergeant in the New Jersey Army National Guard. Ed met his sweetheart, Kate, at the Jersey Shore in the summer of 1965. They became lifelong partners, best friends, and were married in 1969. They settled in Montclair and Ed worked for the family business, The John J. Curley Stone Company, in Caldwell, N.J. Ed and Kate eventually took over the proprietorship of the business for decades before retiring and passing the business on to his younger sister, Marge. After living in Caldwell, Verona area, Ed and Kate retired to Lavallette, New Jersey and Punta Gorda, Florida where they currently reside. Ed and Kate joined the Twin Isles Country Club upon arriving in Punta Gorda where they developed deep and long-term friendships and community bonds. Ed was an integral part of the “The Pittsburgh Group” golfing association. His comradery earned him the respect of his peers and the nickname “Smiling Ed”. He was the consummate gentleman. ED also loved the Punta Gorda YMCA gym and adored his spin-cycling girls. Ed and Kate were the benefactors of many charities in Florida and in New Jersey. He was recently distinctly honored by his High School, Immaculate Conception, for his continued generosity. He never forgot his roots. He was also the biggest FAN of Villanova basketball, making all of us Wildcat fans also. He and Kate travelled to the Bahamas in December to see them play and win the tournament! Ed was predeceased by his parents and siblings, Richard, Helen and Thomas. He leaves behind his beloved wife Kate, brother John, and sister Marge, along with nieces, nephews and countless friends. Cremation is private and a remembrance for Ed will be at a later time. In Lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Immaculate Conception High School, Southwest Florida YMCA Punta Gorda or the Animal Welfare League of Charlotte County.