Richard Fezington Curtis, a proud veteran, craftsman, and devoted family man, passed away in his childhood home in Glen Park on November 12, 2025 at the age of 92. Born on August 19, 1933 in Watertown, Richard lived a life defined by extraordinary resourcefulness and a deep, enduring commitment to those he loved and to his country.

   At age 17, Richard enlisted in the U. S. Air Force (1950 - 1954), just as the Korean War began, commencing a distinguished period of service as a Radar Operator and Crew Chief. While he anticipated deployment to the Korean Peninsula, he instead served on the front lines of Cold War continental defense.

   His assignments were vital to the development of the North American Air Defense (NORAD) system (the early network responsible for tracking potential air attacks on the continent). His deployments included the 632nd Aircraft Warning Squadron (AWS) Detachment A-3 at the remote, frigid outposts of Arctic Air Defense in Alaska, where he was on the front lines of continental defense. He later served at the radar site on San Clemente Island and in the Command Center of the 28th Air Division at Hamilton Air Force Base, responsible for protecting the Western U. S. He concluded his active duty with an Honorable Discharge in August 1954. Richard also served in the New Jersey Army National Guard, 50th Armored Division, Camp Drum. This dedicated effort was a lifelong source of pride.

   After his military commitment, Richard returned home and married the love of his life, Vivian June Hatch, on October 29, 1955 in Watertown. Together they built a life in Brownville, raising five children. Richard pursued his technical training, graduated from Radio-Television Technician Academy and engineer and design program at Jefferson Community College. In 1989 he retired from New York Telephone Co., where he worked for 33 years.

   Richard was happiest when he was building, camping, fishing, and spending time with his family. Upon retiring, he and Vivian began spending their winters in Tavares, Florida, a tradition they enjoyed for over 30 years. He was an avid woodworker, enjoyed traveling and planning cross-country tips with Vivian.

   Richard was devoted to his community. He was a 50+ year member of Allen Giles American Legion Post 588, Brownville and a charter member and Past Grand Knight of the Knights of Columbus Father James McGowan Council 7598. He was a 45 year member of the Bishop Conroy General Assembly, 4th degree. As a member of their Color Corps, he traveled the Diocese of Ogdensburg serving as an Honor Guard at religious and civic events attended by the Bishop. Richard dedicated time to mentoring younger generations as a Past Scoutmaster of Boy Scout Troop 2, Brownville.

   Richard was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Vivian J. Curtis; sister Dorothy Curtis Esford; brother William Eugene Curtis; his parents, William McKinley and Marion Call Curtis; and two nieces.

   He is survived by his five devoted children and their spouses, Debra and Randy McIntyre, Richard and Diane Curtis, Nancy Curtis, Mary Perfette and Alan Raskie, and Susan and Michael Norstrud. Richard leaves behind 12 grandchildren, 20 great grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews.

   A calling hour will be held on Monday, November 17, at Cummings Funeral Service, Inc., Watertown from 10:30 - 11:30 AM followed by a funeral service at Noon. Burial with military honors will be in Glenwood Cemetery. Online condolences to his family may be posted at www.cummingsfuneral.com. Memorial donations may be made to Hospice of Jefferson County, 1398 Gotham St., Watertown, NY 13601.