Stephen (Steve) Curley, 72, of Ocala, Florida, passed away October 13, 2021 in the local hospital from an unexpected heart attack, with loved ones at his side.

He was born January 1949 to parents June and Paul Curley in Lancaster, Wisconsin. Steve graduated from Lancaster High School. Shortly after his graduation he enlisted in the U.S. Navy. During the Vietnam War, Steve was stationed in the Philippines and Japan on a Naval Communications ship, the U.S.S. Ajax.

After serving in the Navy, Steve pursued his passion to become an educator. He obtained a Bachelor's in Elementary Education and Master's in School Administration, both through U.W. Madison. Throughout his life, Steve had a strong desire to learn and saw education as a tool to help others empower themselves. His career as an educator spanned several decades. Steve began teaching at Boscobel Elementary in Boscobel, Wisconsin, where his students benefited from his enthusiasm in helping them learn. He later became the elementary Gifted and Talented Coordinator at Lancaster, Wisconsin, helping many students realize their hidden potential. Steve spent the remainder of his career back in Boscobel as their elementary principal. He made a lasting mark on the students fortunate to know him.

Steve had many diverse interests. As a father, he loved spending weekends hiking or camping at the state parks of Wisconsin, teaching his children about the native plants, insects, and birds. He also loved hosting parties where he would serve his guests unique dishes he had created. Movie marathons, road trips, concerts, festivals, and backpacking with the friends he made over the years were a big part of his life. You would rarely see Steve without his camera and he loved taking pictures and sharing them with others. He enjoyed editing and morphing pictures with his artistic flare. He was an avid reader and loved music of every genre, passions he passed on to many. Steve's grandchildren were blessed to have him share his love of nature, music, and learning over the years. Independently, he would read or write in his journal over a morning cup of hot coffee.

Later in his life, Steve found true love. Diane and Steve were a perfect match from the moment they met. They shared many adventures around the country and the world together. Her support and care was the spark that kept Steve going.

Steve is survived by his wife Diane Kaufman and his three children Jonah (Crystel) Curley, Erin (Hammad Aldossary) Curley, and Brian (Yangchen Dolkar) Curley, and his grandchildren Iris, Finnegan, Aja, Salma and Zayn. His family extended with Diane's children Richard (Rachael) Kaufman and Jesse (Anji) Jorstad and grandchildren Zach and Miles. He was very close with his eight siblings, Cindy (Tom) Martens, Kathy Curley, Bruce (Linda Rapatz) Curley, Paula (Dick) Champion, Richard (Mary) Curley, Lisa Cargill, Amy (Doug) Noble, and Jo Roling. Steve also has many nieces and nephews that will remember his funny faces and antics at family gatherings. He was preceded in death by his mother June Curley, father Paul Curley, brother-in-law Ron Roling and great niece Josie Cargill. His immense amount of love and laughter will live on forever in the hearts of those that knew Steve.

During his life, Steve had made requests not to have a funeral, but instead a celebration of life at least six months after his passing. This memorial will be taking place June 11, 2022 at Nelson Dewey State Park, his most frequented and beloved spot.

Stephen Curley

October 13, 2021

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