David F. Curtin, 79, retired Haverhill Fire Department captain died unexpectedly Tuesday, Dec. 23, at his lake house in Maine. He was the husband of Venise Curtin.
Born in Haverhill on Sept. 16, 1935, he was the son of the late John J. and Elizabeth (Jurgel) Curtin. A lifelong resident of Haverhill, he enjoyed spending time at his lake house in Maine. He was a graduate of St. James High School Class of 1953 and also attended North Shore Community College. He also served in the U.S. Army Reserves. David worked alongside his father in the family business, Curtin Cutting Block, on Washington Street, for over four decades.
Curtin proudly served 24 years in the Haverhill Fire Department. In 1985 he received the honor of Firefighter of the Year. He retired as a Captain in 1989. He was a member of the Haverhill Fire Department, Local #1011 and the H.F.D. Relief Association.
In his earlier years, Curtin was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed spending time “up country.” He loved boating and watching football. His greatest joy in more recent years was spending time with his grandchildren who he adored and was so proud of. His grandchildren affectionately called him “Pops,” which is what he called his own grandfather many years ago.
In addition to his wife of 38 years, he is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Julie and Carl; three grandchildren; three sisters, Betty Marino and her husband, Ray, Patsy Vivenzio and her husband, Ken and Sharon Cyr and her husband, Rodney; a brother, John J. Curtin, Jr. and his wife, Nancy; brother-in-law, Lucien Bedard and his wife, Nancy; sister-in-law, Jeannine McKeone and her husband, Roger and many nieces and nephews. Although David was sorely missed this Christmas, he had enjoyed a Christmas celebration with several family members at his home last Sunday.
His funeral mass will be celebrated Monday at St. John the Baptist Church, 110 Lincoln Ave., Haverhill at 11 a.m. Visitation will be held on Monday prior to the Mass at the Linnehan-Grondin Funeral Home, 129 Kenoza Ave., Haverhill from 9 to 10:30 a.m. Relatives and friends are cordially invited to attend. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in his memory to the H. F. D. Relief Assoc., 75 Kenoza Ave., Haverhill, MA 01830. Interment will be held in the Lithuanian Cemetery, Bradford.