Eugene J. Curran, Jr., 86, of Pottsville, passed away on Thursday, December 19th, at home, surrounded by his loving family.

Born on December 14, 1938, in New Castle Township, he was a son of the late Eugene J. and Loretta A. (Huth) Curran, Sr.

Gene graduated from Pottsville Area High School and then joined the US Navy where he proudly served his country from 1958 to 1964. He worked as a welder for the Dana Corporation, Reading for many years, retiring in January 1998. In retirement, he drove for Avenues for over 10 years. He was a member of the United Steelworkers of America AFL-CIO Local 3733.

He found joy in solving crossword puzzles, sudoku, and word searches. He loved watching Jeopardy and had a passion for learning. A dedicated fan, he proudly supported the Philadelphia Eagles and Phillies. He enjoyed spending time with his family.

He was preceded in death by a son, Mark Curran, brothers, Jack and Thomas Curran, sister, Anne Curran, grandson, Adam Joulwan.

Surviving is his loving wife of 60 years, Arlene "Susie" (Matta) Curran, three loving daughters, Colleen Joulwan (John), Shannon Schrader (Joseph), Erin Curran (Alison Walden), a loving son, Michael Curran (Cay), a granddaughter, Tori McKeown (Sean), great grandchildren, Adam McKeown, a brother, Gerald Curran (Peg), several nieces and nephews.

A Memorial Service will be held at 12:00 PM on Saturday, December 28th at Schlitzer Allen Pugh Funeral Home, 515 W. Market Street, Pottsville. Friends and family are invited to attend a visitation from 10:00 AM till the time of the service.

In lieu of flowers, the family would prefer donations to St. Jude's (stjude.org) or Hillside SPCA (hillsidespca.com).