Joseph M. Curran, Jr., of Aberdeen, died at home very peacefully, surrounded by family on the morning of January 7th, 2026. He is survived by his loving wife of 66 years Ethel Curran, his son Joseph M Curran III and wife Jacqueline, his daughter Ethel O Curran, his grandson Joseph Thomas Curran and many loving nieces and nephews.

Joseph was predeceased by his parents Helen and Joseph Michael Curran Sr., his brother Robert Curran and wife Roberta, and his sister Patricia Brozean.

Joseph was proudly born and raised in Staten Island, New York.

As a young man, Joseph was ready to serve our country as a member of the United States Naval Reserve. He served honorably for 8 years.

Joseph retired in December of 1992 as Staten Island Borough Parks Commissioner. During his 39 years of service with the New York City Parks Department he received many accolades and letters of commendation for his work in preserving and acquiring land for the Staten Island Greenbelt. As Staten Island Parks Commissioner he rode with the NYC Central Park Mounted Police in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. He also was honored to walk in the NYC St. Patrick’s Day Parades and rode a horse several times in the Staten Island St. Patrick’s Day Parade.

Joseph was an animal lover and was particularly good with horses. He had both USTA Trainers and Drivers’ Licenses. He owned and trained horses that raced at various east coast race tracks including Meadowlands and Freehold Raceway.

He loved golfing and was an active member of the Saranac Lake Golf Club. On Staten Island he participated in the Celebrity Golf Classic tournament.

Flying was another passion for Joseph. He obtained his student pilot license and flew a Cessna 150.

Anyone that knew Joseph knows that he not only enjoyed playing blackjack but was very good at it and won many tournaments.

His strength, fearlessness, sense of adventure and jokes will be missed by all of us that loved him.

A visitation will be held on Sunday, January 11 from 1pm – 4pm at the Holmdel Funeral Home, 26 South Holmdel Road, Holmdel. A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered on Monday, January 12 at 10:00am at St. Benedict Roman Catholic Church, 165 Bethany Road, Holmdel. Entombment will follow at Marlboro Memorial Mausoleum, Marlboro.

For messages of condolence, or to share a favorite memory of Joseph, please visit his page of tribute at www.HolmdelFuneralHome.com.