Leonard R. Curcio

Leonard R Curcio, lifelong resident of Gardner and Annunciation Parish, passed peacefully at home on July 4, 2024. Born July 29, 1928, the only child of Ralph Curcio and Marie H (Beaton) Curcio, he was predeceased by his loving wife of 64 years Marie R Curcio, an infant baby girl, two grandchildren, and a daughter-in-law. Leonard leaves behind four children: Ralph J Curcio of Silver Springs FL, Karen M Curcio of Worcester MA, Mary Jane Bell of Gardner, and Lynne A. Strazdas of Leominster; as well as eight grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren.

Leonard was a 1946 graduate of Gardner High School, followed by a year at Cushing Academy before answering the call for service in the U.S. Army from 1950-1952: then taking his late father’s place as president of the family chair manufacturing business in South Gardner, Ralph Curcio Co Inc dba Chair City Wayside Furniture, at the site of Gardner’s other “Big Chair” until it’s closing in 2018. He was a devoted member of Annunciation Parish and was very active in church functions, serving as a BINGO caller for several years and Cantor until the old Sacred Heart Church closed. Many will fondly remember him as the singer who greeted the parishioners with a hearty “Hi neighbors” when introducing the responsorial psalm for the Mass and performing “O Holy Night” at Christmas. He loved singing, was a 49-year member of The Salisbury Singers of Worcester, and did his best to continue singing with a group of “Swinging Senior Singers” of Hubbardston, led by Jeanine and Mike Como, right up to a few weeks before passing.

As a younger man his favorite hobbies were buying, fixing, and selling (mostly) MOPARs, swimming, golfing, plying his trade of weaving new fiber-rush seats for clients, flea marketing, and the favorites…family gatherings involving lots of great food, and of course singing.

We thank the Veteran’s Association for their contributions to better hearing and vision, Worcester Public Library/Perkins School for an endless supply of western books for the blind, and especially Beacon Hospice Group of Leominster for their compassionate home care during his final days. 

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, July 13, 2024, at 10 am in Holy Spirit Church, 50 Lovewell St., Gardner. Burial will be private at a later date.

Calling hours will be held on Friday, July 12, 2024, from 5-7 pm at the Mack Family Funeral Home 105 Central St., Gardner. 

A few flowers are appreciated, or donations in his name can be made to the MA Association for the Blind, Worcester Public Library, or any local association for the blind accepting donations. https://wplfoundation.org/legacy-bequests, https://www.mabvi.org/ways-to-give. 

To send an online condolence please visit www.mackfamilyfh.com.

Mack Family Funeral Home, 105 Central St., Gardner is directing arrangements.

Kevin J. Mack, Walter C. Taylor & Melissa A. McQuaid Directors.