(Written by: Kedda Bissman)
(Information from findagrave.com, Obituary found at Maxwell Helt Cremation & Funeral Care | Renovo PA funeral home and cremation, and personal recollections from Kedda Bissman’s family members)
“I am very interested in the Flyboy topic because I have family members that knew John Curcio and I have also been curious about his experience in the military. Mr. Curcio has been a long-time family friend, especially to Tom Bissman. Mr. Curcio managed the Elks Country Club, and worked for the railroading company after he was discharged from the military. He helped with the railroad parties at the Elks Country Club with all of the workers. My grandfather said, “he was always there for you, whatever you needed he would help you out with it.”
John F Curcio was born on May 23, 1925, in Brooklyn, New York. Johnny was the son of Anthony and Stella Pagnotto Curcio. He died on March 22, 2022, in Renovo, Pennsylvania, at the Bucktail Medical Center. Johnny was 96 years old at the time of his death.
Staff Sergeant John Curcio served in the 8th US Army Air Force, 458th Bomber Group during WWII, having completed 35 missions as a tail gunner. He was transferred to the US Army Corps of Engineers to assist with forest fires in Oregon and California.
John worked for the Pennsylvania Railroad, Penn Central and Conrail from 1947-1984, retiring after 37 years. John continued his military connection as he was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the 40/8 Club, and the American Legion, where he served as past Commander. Burial was at the St Joseph’s Cemetery in Hyner, PA. The Marine Corps League provided full military honors.
The Veterans Affairs office stated he had been awarded the Air medal with four Oak Leaf Clusters for his service. In November of 2020, Lock Haven University announced the establishment of the John F Curcio Scholarship. The idea for the scholarship began as an informal conversation between some of Curcio’s friends, Jim Russo, of M&R Contracting led the effort with assistance from retired LHU professors, Lenny Long and Dave Bower; Joby Topper, LHU library director; and former LHU trustee, Thomas “Doc” Sweitzer. All agreed that the scholarship would be a fitting tribute to a man like Curcio, a WW2 veteran of the Greatest Generation. The John F Curcio Committee and other friends of Curcio will contribute funds to the scholarship until it reaches a $10,000 endowment, with the goal of increasing this endowment over time.
“Good-Bye my friend from the Railroad days. You were always so kind to me Johnny. I will never forget you and Johnny you will be happy to know, I have the old railroad telephone number reminding me always of the time I spent with my dad in the Railroad office. Soar high in the heavens, my friend.”
Patricia Stahley Wilson