Obituary of Ralph G. Curtis Jr.

Ralph Curtis passed peacefully February 16 after a brief illness. 

Ralph was born in Tonawanda in 1952, son of Ralph and Augusta (Shirbach) Curtis Sr.  His family  moved to Lockport where he spent his childhood in the fields and woods with his pals.  He played varsity soccer and graduated from Lockport High School in 1970.  He proudly served in the US Navy Construction Battalions, better known as the Seabees where he was a builder/brick layer and was honorably discharged.    He was a devoted and loving husband of over 50 years to Gail.  He was a hardworking dad to 4 girls.  He exercised much patience living in a house with 1 bathroom and 5 females.  He always thought of his family first.  Monday-Friday after work he made dinner for his kids and working wife.  He was at every ball game, activity, home evenings and weekends with them.  Ralph loved his grandchildren and being a part of their lives.  He was very proud of his children and grandchildren.  He enjoyed the odd “bet”, watching football, playing cards or games until all hours with friends, riding his motorcycle, golfing with his work league, fishing, hunting, building additions and decks.    He started his career after the service, working for Jack & Gordy at Diversified Mfg.  He retired after 40 years of dedicated service.  He could be gruff but fair, sometimes genial, always there for whoever needed him.  He was a blessing and will be sorely missed.

Ralph is survived by his wife Gail (Xedis) Curtis, daughters Lisa (Louis) Garcia, Stephanie Curtis, Diana (Matthew)Durkee, Rachele (David) Gurski.  Grandchildren David, Lukas, Lilly, Julia, Luciana, Jacob and Brian.  Siblings Charles (Helen) Curtis, Shirley (Rodney) Cooper and Patrick (Sheri) Curtis. 

Relatives and friends may call on Friday, February 23, 2024, from 10-11 AM in Prudden and Kandt Funeral Home, 242 Genesee St, Lockport, NY, where a memorial service will immediately follow at 11 AM.  In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Tunnel to Towers Foundation, T2T.org.