Vestal Center:  Carl E. Curtis, 89, passed away peacefully at his home May 4, 2018. He is survived by his beloved wife of 64 years, Beverly J. Curtis, his loving daughters;  Autumn (Nelson) Updaw of Endwell and Virginia L. Canaan of Stillwater, OK, his grandchildren; Kyle Curtis (Lauren) Canaan and Rebecca Canaan, two great-grandchildren, two sisters-in-law, Claire Curtis and Betty Strusz, several nieces, nephews and cousins. Carl was predeceased by his brother Lloyd and brothers-in-law  William and Henry Strusz. Carl grew up in Westover and graduated from Johnson City High School. He was an Air Force veteran of the Korean War. In the 1950's he worked as an agent for Metropolitan Life Insurance. In 1992 he retired as a master crafstmen in carpentry from SUNY Binghamton after 32 years of employment. Carl was a member of the Vestal Volunteer Fire Dept. Station 2 for over 37 years, many of which were spent on the Fire Police. Being a child of the depression Carl learned to fix almost anything. He taught himself to lay stone and many other skills which enabled him to build a home for his family. When confronted with a need or a problem Carl worked until he invented a way to solve the problem. He particularly enjoyed playing pool at the fire station and the Broome West Senior Center. He also enjoyed playing chess and was a Life Member of the Binghamton German Club. Carl will be remembered for his kind and gentle spirit.
 
 The family will receive friends at the Vestal Center United Methodist Church Wednesday from 6:00-8:00 pm. A memorial service will be held at 1:00 pm Thursday at the church, followed by burial with military honors in Vestal Hills Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to the Broome West Senior Center Pool Room Fund, Vestal VFD Station 2, his church or the Binghamton German Club.
 

A Fireman's Prayer...

When I am called to duty, God

Wherever Flames may rage, G

ive me strength to save some life

Whatever Be its age.

Help me embrace a little child

Before it is too late,

Or save an older person

from The horror of that fate.

Enable me to be alert

and Hear the weakest shout,

And quickly and efficiently

To put the fire out.

I want to fill my calling

And give the best in me,

To guard my every neighbor

And protect their property.

And if according to your will

I should lose my life,

Please bless with your protecting hand

My children and my wife. 

 

 

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