John E. Curzake

John E. Curzake, Sr. passed away peacefully on Sunday, May 28th, 2023, at the age of 82. He was the beloved husband of Josephine (Costa) Curzake for 61 years.

Born in Pawtucket, he was the son of the late Helen (Zajchowski) Savage and John Curzake. John was a graduate of Tolman High School, class of ‘58, and Providence College, class of ‘62. He taught mathematics first at Slater Junior High School and then his alma mater Tolman High, where he later became Head of the Math Department, his favorite subject being geometry. Always busy, before he retired in 1996, he already had a plan in place for his second career, lobster fishing. His “down east” Holland lobster boat naturally was named Trapezoid after the shape of the old lobster traps. His daughter Ellen was his first, First Mate. Later, his best friend, Gil Rishton, joined him as First Mate and I believe they were living their best life when they were out on the water checking those traps.

John also enjoyed rod and reel fishing, gardening, crossword puzzles, quiz shows, and golfing. He and his wife loved to play Trivial Pursuit with their group of friends. His summers were enjoyed at the Galilee Beach Club, where he was a member.

In addition to his wife, he leaves behind his daughter Ellen M. Westcott (Glenn) and his sons John E. Curzake, Jr. (Jeanne), and Mark R. Curzake. He was the proud grandfather to seven grandchildren, Joshua and Matthew Westcott; Daniel and Jason Curzake; and John E. Curzake, III, Zachary and Emilia Curzake as well as three great-grandchildren, McKenna, Brianna, and Carl Westcott, and a niece, nephews, and several cousins. John also leaves his beloved brother Richard T. Curzake (Paula) of Seekonk, MA. He is predeceased by his brother-in-law Frank Costa (Orise).

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, June 3, 2023, at 10 AM in St. Mary Star of the Sea, 864 Point Judith Rd, Narragansett, RI 02882. Visitation will be held on Friday, June 2, 2023, from 4 PM to 7 PM in Avery-Storti Funeral Home, 88 Columbia St. Wakefield, RI 02879. Donations in his name may be made to: American Parkinson's Disease Association P. O. Box 61420 Staten Island, NY 10306