Francis James Curran

South Portland - Francis "Ike" J. Curran, died peacefully on Monday, April 16, 2018, at the Maine Veterans' Home. Ike was born at home in South Portland on Nov. 20, 1923, the son of James and Nora Kilgarriff Curran. He graduated from South Portland High School in 1942. Lettering in football, basketball and baseball, he enjoyed the special relationship of being coached by his big brother, Bill Curran. His young career solidified a lifelong allegiance to the Red Sox, Patriots, Bruins and the Celtics. A World War II Veteran of the United States Navy, Ike served in the European Theatre of Operations from 1943-1946. In 2015 he was privileged to join other veterans recognized for their services by participating in Honor Flight. He was a lifetime member of VFW Post 832 and American Legion Post 17 Portland. He retired in 1982 from Ma Bell (NE Telephone) after 35 years. He genuinely enjoyed his career and his co-workers. He lived in his beloved city of South Portland for most of his life. A historian of Fort Preble and Bug Light he quite often held tours for his captive family. The sailor in him naturally set sail in Casco Bay where for many years he piloted his boat wherever his charts would guide him. Ike loved to spend time on the golf course especially when he wintered in Florida. The Portland Press Herald and the nightly news were daily staples, which helped to form his political opinions that his daughters found right on! His church was of heartfelt importance throughout his life, and faithfully attended Mass, even in his last days. Known for his Irish wit and timing, Ike charmed us all to the end. Ike was predeceased by his loving wife, Leola Auger Curran; sisters, Mary Curran and Margaret Morrell; brother, William Curran; son, Robert Curran; and step-son, Allen Purington. He will be affectionately remembered by daughters, Catherine Curran, Lisa Jones and husband Tom; step-daughters, Susie Barton, Catherine Macmaster and husband Scott; daughter-in-law, Joanne Curran; grandchildren, Christopher Curran, Rachael Curran, Harrison Jones, Jonathan Jones, Shane Curran; step-grandchild, Jeffrey Barton and wife Jen; and step-great grandchildren, AJ and Jamie. The family gratefully acknowledges his outstanding caregivers, fondly referred to as the "Wonderful Women," who enriched his life, as well as a thank you to the Maine Veterans' Home where compassion and respect prevailed. Visiting hours celebrating Ike's life will be held from 4:00-6:00PM, on Monday, April 23, at the Conroy-Tully Walker South Portland Chapel, 1024 Broadway, South Portland. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00AM on Tuesday, April 24, at Holy Cross Church, 124 Cottage Rd., South Portland. Burial with military honors will follow at Calvary Cemetery. Go BOSTON! In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to: The Maine Veterans' Home, 290 US Rt. 1, Scarborough, ME 04074