Charles Curley died peacefully at his home on 3rd Ave. in Olean, on Monday, March 14, 2016. Known as Curley, Chuck, and Charlie by so many people in the greater Olean area, he was a twice wounded Korean veteran and a pillar of his community. As an elementary physical education teacher and beloved coach for wrestling, baseball, and football teams for Allegany Central School district and prominent local leader, he provided leadership and inspiration for everyone he touched. He was a life-time member of the Marine Corps Association and adjutant of the Purple Heart Association in Buffalo, NY.
Charles was born in Blair, Nebraska to Elvena and Clifton Curley on November 27, 1931. He graduated from Hoover High School in Glendale, CA and went on to earn a BA from Pepperdine University in 1959 and a MA from St. Bonaventure University in 1963, both while working full-time. After graduation he worked as the physical director at the Olean YMCA from 1960 until 1966 prior to staring his career at Allegany Central Schools where he retired in 1990.
Chuck is survived by his wife Janice (Green) of 61 years, his brother Bernard Curley of Bremerton, WA, his daughters Linda Daniels of Greensboro, NC and Paula (Jeffery) Foerster of Bayville, NJ, two grandchildren Megan Neese and Ava Foerster, five great grand children, his brother-in-law Douglas Green of Endicott, and many friends and other family members.
Calling hours are from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm on Saturday, March 19, 2016 at Bethany Lutheran Church on 6 Leo Moss Drive in Olean, followed by a memorial service at the church. The Rev. Marie A. Meeks, Pastor, will officiate. A Full Military Service will be accorded by the Allegany American Legion, Charles Harbel Post #892 at 4:00 PM.
In lieu of flowers, Memorials may be made to the Bethany Lutheran Church Work and Maintenance Fund, 6 Leo Moss Drive, Olean, New York 14760. Online condolences may be made by clicking the button above. Semper Fi Chuck.