Paul Curran, age 57 years, of Raritan Township, NJ, died peacefully with his loving wife, Laura, by his side at home on Thursday, January 16, 2020 under the caring watch of Hunterdon Hospice.

Born and raised in Northeast Philadelphia, son of the late Wallace and Margaret McElwee Curran, Paul had formerly lived in East Norriton, Phoenixville, Philadelphia, and Quakertown, PA, prior to moving to the Dart’s Mill section of Raritan Township last year.

A United States Air Force veteran, Paul honed both his mechanical and technical skills while in the service. A graduate of New Orleans Technical School specializing in building maintenance and repair, he would later go on to work for several apartment building maintenance firms where he was known by his peers as being able to fix anything.

In preparing for his passing, Paul was very thoughtful in how he wanted to be remembered. Celebrating twenty-seven years of sobriety was high on his list. He was proud of the many positive changes he made in his life, as well as the lives of many others whom he helped get onto their own path of sobriety.

Music was also something which he wanted people to know touched his life. A proud Deadhead, he traveled around the country with the Grateful Dead. If there was a music festival somewhere, chances are Paul was there, usually being the first one up, dancing, and inspiring others to feel the music in their soul. Music was a part of who Paul was, is, and always will be; for him, music was a universal language.

Inspiring others came natural to Paul, even though by nature he was more shy and reserved. He was truly a loving and caring soul who was always there for others in whatever way they needed him. He was known to be an amazing listener and his advice would usually center around a very apropos song lyric.

A family man, Paul was honored and proud to help take care of his aging mother for several years before her passing last fall. From having “lunch dates” to walking the dog, they enjoyed spending time together.

The top of Paul’s list when he reflected on his life, was his meeting and marrying his beloved Laura Ann Lackemacher Curran. The two, meeting after chatting on a dating website eight years ago, instantly fell in love with one another. They both found a genuineness and pure love in the other. They supported each other and were each other’s biggest cheerleaders. Laura credits their success to always respecting each other and always being honest.

Navigating faith was something Paul did with pure heart as he knew his time on Earth was fading. He enjoyed his time very much with the visiting LDS missionaries as well as the Catholic priests who spent time with him and he wanted to thank everyone who helped support him as he navigated the valley of the shadow of death.

In the Grateful Dead’s ‘Bird Song’, the lyrics say, “Don’t cry now, don’t you cry, don’t you cry anymore. Sleep in the stars, don’t you cry, dry your eyes in the wind.” Paul, your love for humanity will never be forgotten and your voice and sage advice will be heard in every note played by the wind.

Surviving, in addition to his cherished and devoted wife Laura, are his siblings, Peggy Ann and Ron Finger and Wallace and Kathleen Curran; a niece, Michelle and her husband, Jason Smith; a nephew, Christopher Curran; his step-daughter and son-in-law, Amanda and Joe Walsh; his step-daughter, Jessica Bowes; his two granddaughters who lit up his life, Kayla and Carley; his mother-in-law and father-in-law, Susan and Karl Lackemacher; his sister-in-law and brothers-in-law, Michelle Condit and Jarrod and Michael Lackemacher; his God Mother, Fran Fanelli; his faithful dog, Sammy; several extended family members; and many dear friends around the world who believe that music makes everyone family.

Paul will lie in repose on Saturday, January 25, 2020 from 1:00-2:30 p.m. in the Chapel of Wright & Ford Family Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 38 State Highway 31, Flemington, NJ.

Life celebration services will take place following the viewing from 2:30-3:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Following the gathering at the funeral home featuring family and friend eulogies, everyone is invited to accompany the family for a 3:30 p.m. service at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 35 Lamington Road, Branchburg, NJ 08876. Following that service, the family has requested that everyone join for a meal in the fellowship area to help continue to celebrate Paul’s life.

Interment will take place at a later date at Washington Crossing National Cemetery, Newtown, PA.

Please visit Paul’s permanent memorial site at www.wrightfamily.com to light a memorial candle, leave messages of condolence, share words of comfort and recollection, and post photographs of his life.

In lieu of flowers, those who wish may make a contribution to The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, Donor Services, PO Box 98018, Washington DC 20090-8018 or online by clicking HERE.

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