Stephen Patrick Curry 69 years young of Niantic, CT passed late in the evening of January 28, 2017 after a long and well fought battle with numerous health issues. Steve was more than a worthy adversary and to anyone who knew him you know he fought for life on his terms. Steve was able to grace us for the last 8yrs with his sometimes blustery self due to the generous gift that his youngest sister Lynne bestowed upon him with a stem cell donation. Steve was surrounded by family at his time of passing and those who were unable to be here find comfort knowing his battle has been won; he is now free. Steve was born May 17, 1947 in Hazleton, PA to June (Cortez) and Stephen T. Curry. He attended Sterling Regional High School in NJ where he graduated and earned accolades as an All South Jersey Defensive End for football; a sport he loved dearly. Prior to meeting the love of his life Steve served in the US Navy, during the Vietnam Era, as a sonar man and diver on the fast attack submarine the USS Dace. He married his beloved wife of 44 years Jacqueline (Dion) on May 20, 1972. Upon leaving the Navy and starting a family Steve was a man of many talents. Through the years he worked as an auto mechanic, started his own painting and wallpapering business, joined the local painters Union and worked as a foreman at the Millstone Nuclear power plant, drove a school bus and then as his final career move spent his last years working as a member of the Town of Easy Lyme Park and Rec department. One of his greatest joys was cutting and lining the towns ball fields. Considering the pride and meticulousness with which he did this job one would have thought the Patriots or the Yankees would be playing on said fields. Steve's other great loves were his children who survive him. Christine (Jason) TenEyck of Carmel, NY and Stephen J. Curry of Columbia, SC. Both were very active in the town's youth sports leagues. Soccer in the fall and baseball & softball in the spring. Steve coached both sports for both his children and long after they went on to play in college he could still be found on the local ball fields, whether it be the "chain gang" at Friday night football games, or coaching Little League softball, and running the concession stand at East Lyme's Veterans softball field. Steve is survived by his loving wife Jackie, two children Christine & Stephen. Aside from his immediate family Steve is also survived by his mother June (Don) Anthony of Glendale, AZ., his sister Cheryl (Marty) Katz of Phoexnix, AZ., his brother Patrick of Waterford, CT, and his sister Lynne (Jim) Vernacchio of Wellington, FL. He was predeceased by his father Stephen T. Curry and his beloved Labrador and faithful hunting companion Sambuca. Steve often said: "When it's time, just put me up on the shelf next to Buca." At a later date and time there will be a celebration of life which will be held at the Masonic Hall in Niantic, CT. Steve was a 40 year member of the Masons, a Past Master and active up until his health kept him from participating. All are encouraged to come and share in the life that Steve lived so tenaciously. Steve spent much of his life giving to others whether it was through coaching, volunteering, lending a hand or supporting friends in their crusades and causes. If you wish to honor his memory, he would have told you - send it to Sue or give it to the dogs. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made in Steve's name to either: Guiding Eyes for the Blind- www.guidingeyes.org OR the Closer to Free Ride in Susan Farone's name in memory of Steve Curry; please mail checks to: YNHH Office of Development PO Box 1849 New Haven, CT 06508. All donations will be put towards Sue's ride in Steve's name. The Closer to Free Ride is one that Sue does annually and even this last year Steve made it a point to be there in solidarity. The ride raises funds and awareness for the SmilowCancer Hospital that is part of Yale New Haven Hospital. To read more about it visit www.rideclosertofree.org