Henry William Curran Jr.

Henry W. Curran, Jr. passed away peacefully on September 20, 2025, at the age of 97.

Born in Brooklyn, NY, in 1928 to Henry and R. Beatrice Curran, Henry moved with his family to Huntington, NY, in 1935. He attended St. Patrick’s Grade School and graduated from Huntington High School. He was very proud to serve his country as a member of the U.S. Marine Corps from 1946–48 and again from 1950–51 at Parris Island and Quantico, discharging with the rank of Master Drill Sergeant.

In 1952, Henry began his career with the Federal Bureau of Investigation and, that same year, married Julia Dell Blair on November 22 in Washington, D.C. He graduated from Southeastern University in 1955 on the GI Bill and went on to complete training at the FBI Agents School in March of 1956. Over the course of his distinguished FBI career, Henry served in Dallas, Dayton, Cincinnati, Milwaukee, and Madison, ultimately retiring in 1982 as Senior Resident Agent in Madison. He was very proud to be a Special Agent of the FBI and investigating the Sterling Hall bombing and serving as a hostage negotiator during the 1978 kidnapping of Nell Gurrath by Filamon Amaro were highlights of his long career.

Following his retirement, Henry worked as a private investigator and, alongside Julia, traveled the world as a trip director with Burkhalter Travel.

Henry was deeply committed to his faith and church and served on the pastoral council, as a Eucharistic minister, member of the funeral choir, and church usher. He was active in his community and involved with the Knights of Columbus, Boy Scouts, Madison Downtown Rotary, and the Blue Line Club.

After his retirement from the FBI, he became a member of the Society of Former Special Agents and served in many positions—from local chairman to President of the National Organization in 1994–95.

After Julia’s passing, Henry was blessed to find love again with Lois McClusky. Together they lived in both Madison, WI, and Venice, FL, before settling full-time in Venice, where they shared many happy years until Lois’s passing in 2014. Henry later moved to Dunedin, FL, then Austin, TX, before returning to Madison to spend his final years close to his children and grandchildren.

Henry was a “people person” and lived life to the fullest, always finding a way to be actively involved or of service in every place he resided. From being on the Welcome Committee to calling bingo or distributing the Eucharist at his senior apartments, to serving on the board at his mobile home park, he always wanted to participate—or, in many cases, be the leader.

He especially loved music and singing and always found a choir to join wherever he lived. He delighted in going to UW Men’s hockey games, both at home and away, and was a season ticket holder from the time the games were played at Hartmeyer Rink all the way to the Kohl Center. In his later years, he enjoyed quieter activities such as doing crossword puzzles with Lois, watching Blue Bloods for hours on end, and listening to books on tape provided by the Wisconsin Council of the Blind once his eyesight failed.

Henry always enjoyed a good Irish whiskey or a Perfect Brandy Manhattan on the rocks, and he never turned down a piece of chocolate—or two.

Henry was preceded in death by his parents; his beloved wives, Julia and Lois; his brothers, Tom (Sally) and Richard; and his grandson, Steven Joseph. He is survived by his daughters Julia and Lisa; son Michael (Renata); grandchildren Karen (Evan), Kristen (Luis), Aaron (Megan), and Andrew (Rachel); his dear cousin Vera Plummer; eight great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

The family would like to offer their deepest thanks and gratitude to the staff of All Saints Assisted Living and Agrace HospiceCare for the loving and compassionate care given to Henry during his last year. Every day over the past 14 months, you made Henry feel comfortable and cared for. A special thank you also goes to Annika Collins for her healing touch and caring attention to Henry and his pain during the last three years. We are so grateful for your skill, warmth, and loving heart.

Henry was very proud of his Irish heritage and often closed letters and cards with an Irish blessing:

May the road rise up to meet you. 

May the wind be always at your back. 

May the sunshine warm upon your face. 

May the rains fall upon your fields. 

And until we meet again, 

May God hold you in the hollow of His hand.

A Mass Of Christian Burial will be held at Our Lady Queen of Peace Church, 401 S. Owen Dr., Madison, at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, October 20, 2025. A visitation will be held at the church from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. on Monday. The family requests that, in lieu of flowers, memorials be directed to Wisconsin Public Radio (www.wpr.org/) , PBS Wisconsin (https://pbswisconsin.org/ ), UnityPoint Meriter Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Hospital (https://www.unitypoint.org/giving), and the Wisconsin Council of the Blind and Visually Impaired—causes close to Henry’s heart (https://wcblind.org/).

Cress Funeral & Cremation Service

3610 Speedway Rd Madison

(608) 238-3434