Frederick Curley

Dateline: Fayetteville, NC

Frederick Joseph Curley, 64 of Fayetteville, N.C. while surrounded by his family went to be home with the Lord and Savior March 12, 2020. Fred was born March 28th, 1955 in Bridgeport Connecticut to the late Jane Lasecki Curley, and John Joseph Curley. He was raised by Jane and John Curley along with Ruth Mchanon Mercer Curley.

Fred’s passion for volunteering as a firefighter began at the age of 16 at Pinewood Park Fire Department, CT. Upon graduating from St. Joseph’s High Fred Enlisted in the United States Airforce as an Airfield Firefighter.

Fred’s first duty station was at Myrtle Beach Airforce base where he met his beloved wife of 44 years, Mary Ann Strickland Curley. They met September 24, 1974 and were married June 8th, 1975. Fred’s passion for service did not stop with the Airforce but also volunteered at the local community firehouse while In South Carolina.

The newlyweds were then sent by the Airforce to Lakenheath AFB in England. While in England, the young couple were able to travel throughout Europe and lay the foundation for the strength in their loving marriage. Fred continued to serve the community and became the first US GI to volunteer at the Local Brandon Fire Service in England while stationed at the AFB. Time in Europe proved to build profound strength in Fred and Mary Ann’s marriage where God led them to a local church and served as youth leaders.

Fred excelled quickly in the Air Force receiving numerous awards and accolades- So much so that he was given a choice of duty Station where he selected Pope AFB in Fayetteville, North Carolina; knowing how much it would mean to Mary Ann to again be close to family.

After Leaving the Airforce, Fred’s passion for Service to people only accelerated. Fred served faithfully as a Fayetteville Firefighter, Fire Volunteer, Fire Inspector, EMT State examiner, Fayetteville PSO Police officer, Civil Service Firemen, and Developed the Fire Academy at Fayetteville Technical Institute (FTCC).

Other than the Lord, the only thing more important than service to others was service to his family. Fred professionally left public safety to provide for and spend an abundance of time with his wife, Daughter Samantha Curley Britt, and his Son John Joseph Curley. Fred had a second career in Sales and Marketing with numerous businesses where his passion for people furthered his success.

Fred served as a Deacon and Lafayette Baptist Church, Boy Scout Leader, Little League Coach, and mentor to countless youth who call him a second father.

After being diagnosed with Cancer, Fred continued to live life to the fullest with a calming peace about him. Taking trips to Dayton, Ohio to tour the Air Force Museum, and a trip to Las Vegas for a helicopter tour of the Grand Canyon with his family. Fred moved deliberately knowing his time would be short and was sure to give blessings of confidence and peace to those that he cared about.

Fred Curley is the kind of man that we all hope our Sons grow up to be; Kind, Strong, Loving, Dependable, Honest, and Hardworking. He touched the lives of everyone who knew him by living a Godly life. Fred peacefully passed away March 12th surrounded by his family.

Survivors include his wife, Mary Ann Strickland Curley, his daughter, Samantha Curley Britt and son in law Mark Britt of Hope Mills, NC, his son, John Joseph Curley and fiancée Jordan Teresé Phillips of Hope Mills, his grandsons Andrew Britt III and Cody Joseph Britt, his sisters Maureen Curley Krosin of Palm City, Florida, Karen Mercer Derleth and husband Robert of Trumbull, Connecticut, and Barbara Panek and husband Mike of Connecticut, and numerous nieces, nephews, and in-laws.

A Celebration of Life Service will be 12:00 Noon Wednesday, March 18, 2020 at LaFayette Baptist Church with Reverend Steve Branch Officiating. Access to the Worship Center will be available at 11:30 AM.

Interment with Military Honors will follow at 2:00 PM in Sandhills State Veterans Cemetery.

Honors for his time and service will also be rendered by the Patriot Guard and the Fire Department.

The family request in addition to flowers, donations may be made to The Cancer Society or to LaFayette Baptist Church, 501 Hope Mills Road, Fayetteville, NC 28304.

Arrangements for the family are entrusted to LaFayette Funeral Home, 6651 Raeford Rd. Fayetteville, NC 28304. On-line condolences may be made at www.lafayettefh.com.