Obituary: William J. Curren, 86

William James Curren 86, passed away on October 7th at the Phillip Hulitar Hospice Center in Providence, Rhode Island with his family by his side. 

He was born in Boston, Massachusetts to Dr. Levi Addison and Katherine (Clarke) Curren. 

He grew up in Cranston, Rhode Island and attended Cranston Public Schools. He attended high school at Wilbraham Academy and he earned a Masters degree in Chemistry at the University of Rhode Island. He was a veteran of the United States Navy. He lived the last 51 years in North Attleboro. Bill had a long career as an Analytical Chemist and a Research Engineer. While attending graduate school, he was employed by the Rhode Island State Police Crime lab. He was also employed by the Foxboro Company for 28 years, and for Contech Research in Attleboro up until his passing. 

Bill was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting, fishing, and boating. He made his own fishing rods and lures, and taught these skills to his children. Bill was a Bridge enthusiast and organized and ran a Duplicate Bridge club for Foxboro employees. Following his retirement from the Foxboro Company, he and his wife travelled all over the world. In his later years, he enjoyed following Nascar and Golf. For more than forty years, Bill was involved with the United States Power Squadron. On a national level, he served as Rear Commander and locally as a Commander of District Fourteen. 

He devoted much of his time to the National Education Committee, teaching and developing safe boating classes. He was appointed an Admiral in the Texas Navy by Governor Ann Richards to honor his work promoting safe boating. Bill is survived by his wife of 57 ½ years Christine, daughters Allison Curren of Silverstrand Beach, California and Leslie Milligan of Norfolk, Virginia. Sons William Curren Jr. of Cumberland, Rhode Island, John Curren and Craig Curren both of North Attleboro, Massachusetts and daughter-in-laws Susan , Debbie, and Molly Curren. He is also survived by his brother Dr. Franklin Curren of Citrus Heights, California. He was the brother of the late Lee Curren of Maynard Massachusetts. Bill leaves behind nine grandchildren of whom he was very proud: Derik Moran, Matthew, Michael, Jacob , Hannah, Noelle, Liam, Max, and Elise Curren. Visitation will be from 4:00- 8:00pm on Friday, October 11th in The Butterfield Chapel 500 Pontiac Avenue Cranston, Rhode Island. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 9:30AM on Saturday October 12th in St. Matthews Church located at the corner of Park and Elmwood Avenues in Cranston. The family extends a special thank you to the Philip Hulitar Inpatient Hospice Center for their care and support. In lieu of flowers donations may be made in Bill’s name to the Philip Hulitar Inpatient Hospice Center 1085 North Main Street Providence, Rhode Island 02904.