John Silas Curtis, 82, of Minoa, passed away peacefully with his family by his side. Born July 9, 1934 in Massena, NY, he was the son of the late Silas A. and Claire H. Curtis. John graduated from St. Lawrence High School in 1954, attended Canton ATC, and graduated from Central City Business Institute in 1960. He served in the US Army for 6 years and was on the Fifth Army Rifle Team. He retired from General Electric in 1991 after 31 years.
He served as Village of Minoa Trustee for 6 years and was a Town of Manlius Councilman for 26 years. He was a member of the Manlius Republican Committee, delivered Meals on Wheels, served as Trustee of the Kirkville United Methodist Church, was a Board member of Children’s Dyslexia Center and was a past Board member of the Multiple Sclerosis Resource Center of CNY. He was a 60 year member and past Master of Nortrip Lodge #998, member of the Tigris Shrine, York Rite and a past Patron of the Eastern Star. He served as past Grand Steward and past Commander and Chief of Central City Bodies of Scottish Rite - Legion of Valor.
In addition to his parents, he is predeceased by his wife, Emily Lou Curtis.
He is survived by his children, Patti McCaffery, Bonnie (Steve) Palm and Robert (Sarah) Curtis; grandchildren, Mike (Andrea) Curtis, Toni Marie Curtis, Christopher Palm, Stephanie Palm, Sean McCaffery, Seth McCaffery, Meghan Callahan and Owen Callahan; sisters, Joan Tanner and Ann (Gary) Ploof; and several nieces and nephews.
Calling hours will be 4:00 to 7:00 pm Monday at R.H. Schepp & Son Minoa Chapel, 6530 Schepp’s Corners Rd., Minoa. A Masonic Service will follow the calling hours at 7:00 pm. Funeral service will be 10:00 am Tuesday at the Minoa United Methodist Church, 246 East Ave., Minoa. Burial will be in White Chapel Memory Gardens in DeWitt.
Contributions may be made to the Dyslexia Center, Eastern Star Home and Campus, 8280 State Rt. 69, Oriskany, NY 13424.