Please join your fellow press club members in remembering and paying tribute to Joan J. Curley, long-time club member and past president, and her husband Dr. Neil B. Curley, also a long-time member of the Press Club of Southwest Florida.
Neil died unexpectedly of natural causes on May 21. Upon hearing the news of Neil’s passing, Joan was hospitalized and died of natural causes three days later. While family and friends are in shock at the news of their sudden passing, many seem to find comfort in knowing that after 49 blissful years of marriage, this devoted couple left this earth within days of each other. During their five decades together, Joan and Neil were inseparable.
Smiles and Sunshine
Any of us who had the good fortune of knowing Joan and Neil undoubtedly remember them for their genuine warmth and endless smiles. It seems they brought sunshine wherever they went, generously sharing their zest for life. In fact, after Joan served as president of the press club in 2006-2007, she continued to serve on the board of governors and asked if she could become the club’s “Sunshine Correspondent.”
In this role, Joan sent hundreds of notes through the years to club members who experienced important life events. On the celebratory side, she congratulated members who won journalistic awards, achieved a milestone such as the publication of a new book, got married, or gave birth to a child. On the comfort side, Joan let members know that the club was thinking of them when they were ill, underwent surgery, or experienced the loss of a loved one.
Joan and Neil were regular attendees at club events, and they often brought smiles to everyone when they entered the room, dressed in identical colors. Green for St. Patrick’s Day in March was a staple for this Irish couple from the Boston area, but at any time during the year, they might arrive at a club function sporting matching outfits in various colors. Pink seemed to be one of their favorites.
Joan: Educator, Author, World Traveler
Joan had two desires: to travel and to write. Her writing was put on hold while her attention was given to her life career as an educator, elementary teacher, school counselor K-12, and school principal. However, the travel continued. She circumnavigated the world twice.
Joan lived in England and she and Neil lived and worked in Massachusetts, Bermuda, Guam, Germany, Egypt, and Japan. Joan was born in Massachusetts and earned a B.A. from Newton College of the Sacred Heart, a master’s degree from Boston University and completed numerous post-graduate courses on administration, counseling and educational law at Salem State College, Tufts University and the University of Guam. She also studied at Julius Maximilian University of Wurzburg, Germany.
After retiring from her educational career of 39 years, Joan decided to turn her attention to writing. She wanted to share her life and career experiences in stories, especially stories for children. Joan has published nine children’s books. Each book is based on what she has observed in places where she has lived and worked. Joan believed that a children’s book with a story could be a stimulus for parents and teachers to encourage children to improve their writing skills, which would help children to be more successful in their school studies.
Joan received numerous awards including: Woman of the Year Award from the Business and Professional Women’s Club of Massachusetts; a commission from the governor of Guam to become a member of the Ancient Order of the Chamorri (a distinguished award for service to the people of Guam); and Minister of Education recognition for educational service in Bermuda.
Neil: Educator, World Traveler, Chaplain, and Author
Neil was originally from the North Shore of Boston. He received his B.A. from the University of New England, M.Ed from Boston State College, advanced degrees C.A.G.S. and Doctorate in Psychology from Northeastern University and Ashwood University. He also held a Doctorate in Theology conferred by United Faith Ministry. He completed further educational study at Wurzburg University, Germany and the University of Guam.
Neil had extensive experience in the educational field for over 40 years. He has held a position as a college admission officer (assistant director), assistant principal, director of guidance, career specialist, school counselor and classroom teacher. He also served as school accreditation evaluator in the Pacific for the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.
When Neil lectured or participated in different groups, he often was asked to give an invocation at the start of meetings. Neil kept a collection of these prayers, and Joan encouraged him to put his inspirational thoughts in a book for others to read and enjoy. Neil published his book of prayers a few years ago.
Joan and Neil both stayed active in local civic and charitable organizations, including the Press Club of Southwest Florida.
Their family is planning to hold a Celebration of Life gathering in Naples in the near future. Watch for details in SCOOP.
Meanwhile, please visit the special Facebook page created by press club member Lois Bolin, a dear friend of the Curleys. Lois encourages you to leave a message to be shared with the family of the Curleys.
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