Cornelius Curran

Cornelius Curran, 84, of Hickory, died August 23, 2008, in his home. He was born October 14, 1923 in Washington, the son of John J. and Ethel Aber Curran. Mr. Curran graduated from Washington High School in 1941, attended W&J College, and graduated from Case Institute of Technology. On February 25, 1943, he entered the U.S. Army serving with the 5th Air Force in the Pacific and European Theaters during World War II, in the New Guinea and South Philippines Liberation Campaigns. He received the World War II Victory Medal, American Theater Medal, European African Middle Eastern Medal, Good Conduct Medal, and Asiatic Pacific Theater Medal, with two bronze stars. Mr. Curran was honorably discharged January 24, 1946. Mr. Curran was employed by ITT North Electric Company in Galion, OH, for thirty-five years, as Chief Engineer and Director of Sales. During his career at ITT, he worked on the original communications system for Cape Canaveral and the Mercury Space Program. He also helped design and install telephone systems for cities throughout the US. He lived in Galion, OH for 25 years before moving to the family farm in Hickory, PA. Mr. Curran was a member of the Hickory United Presbyterian Church and served as an ordained elder. He was a member of the American Institute of Electrical Engineers and the American Federation of Musicians. He played bass fiddle in various bands and orchestras in the Washington, PA and Galion, OH areas. He was a member of the American Legion and Lions Club International and was President of the Board of Directors of the Mt. Prospect Cemetery Association. On August 25, 1948, he married Marjorie Jane Caldwell, who survives. Also surviving are three children, a son, David (Gayle) Curran, of Bainbridge Island, WA; two daughters, Cynthia (A.J.) Nusairat, of Canonsburg, and Jane (Gary) Cowden, of Hickory; ten grandchildren, Joseph, Sarah, Adam and Ashley Nusairat, Laurel and Katy Curran, Alex, Hannah, Samuel, and Scott Cowden; and a brother, John “Jack” Curran of Canonsburg, PA. Deceased are two brothers, Justin Aber Curran and Regis Loomis Curran. Friends will be received 7 to 9 p.m., Sunday and 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m., Monday, in William G. Neal Funeral Homes, Ltd., 925 Allison Avenue. Additional visitation will be held Tuesday, August 26, 2008, 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m., the hour of service, in Hickory United Presbyterian Church, 210 Main Street, Hickory, with the Rev. R. Douglas Reinard officiating. Interment will follow in Mt. Prospect Cemetery. The family suggests memorial contributions to the American Cancer Society, 331 South Main Street, Washington, PA 15301. Military honors will be accorded by Edwin Scott Linton, Post 175, American Legion.