Joseph A. Curcuru Obituary
Joseph A. Curcuru Jr., known as "Joe Turk," 91, passed away suddenly at home on May 10, 2026, with his beloved wife, Grace, by his side.
Born and raised in Gloucester, Joe was the seventh of thirteen children born to Angela "Nicastro" and Joseph A. Curcuru Sr. He attended St. Ann's School through his junior year, leaving to help support his family by fishing before proudly serving in the United States Navy from 1953 to 1957.
Joe spent many years fishing aboard several boats, including The Holy Name, The Natalie, The Santa Lucia, and The Sea Fox. Later, he worked on the waterfront at Fisherman's Wharf, managing daily operations, and eventually served as the night custodian at West Parish School.
Joe was a lifelong member of Gloucester Elks Lodge #892, the St. Peter's Club, and DAV Chapter E.F. Gilmore #64.
Throughout the years, Joe took part in St. Peter's Fiesta, including carrying the statue of St. Peter in the parade and serving as a scuttler for the "All Beefers" rowing team on the Nina, Pinta & Santa Maria seine boats.
Joe was an avid New England sports fan who also loved playing on local teams and leagues. Over the years, he played baseball, basketball, bowling, darts, football, golf, ping pong, and pool. In his later years, one of his greatest joys was watching his grandson Tommy play Little League and celebrating the team's championship victory. He was equally proud to watch his great-grandson, T.T., continue the tradition. Joe also enjoyed attending Gloucester High School football games.
As a hobby for years, Joe enjoyed breeding parakeets and cockatiels. He built his own cages and breeding boxes; he found great satisfaction in watching the eggs hatch and the chicks grow.
Joe is survived by his devoted wife of 70 years, Grace "Lucido"; his daughter, Rosanne Testaverde (Capt. Thomas); his son, Joseph (Carolyn) of AZ; his brothers, Anthony (Jean) and Benny (Debbie); his sisters, Rosalie Genovese of NJ and Phillippena Souza; and his sisters-in-law, Beverly (Marchant) and Joyce (Lovasco).
He also leaves behind his cherished grandchildren, Lisa (Paul) of NH, Laurie, Lena, and Capt. Tommy Jr. (Hannah), Adam (Janessa) of FL, and Andrew, Ana, and Olivia of AZ.
Joe was the proud great-grandfather of Alexis Mitchell (Will) of Peabody, Kyla Shank of NH, Lana Levesque, Thomas "T.T.," and Kasia and Kiara of FL.
He is also survived by many cousins, nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.
Joe was predeceased by his parents, Angela and Joseph; his daughter, Donna; his siblings, Sammy (Antoinette), (Claire), Philip, John, Jimmy (Jennie), Jennie McKinnon (George), Grace Favalora (Vito), Philomena Misuraca (Vito), and Felicia Aiello (Anthony "Nutsie"); his brothers-in-law, Claude Souza and Anthony Genovese of NJ; and his lifelong friends with whom he often shared early morning conversation and coffee at McDonald's.
We would like to thank GPD; Sgt. Connors, Lt. Gossom and Officer Trupiano, the GFD, EMTs, and Greely's for their quick response and professionalism during this tough time.
Visiting hours will be held at Greely Funeral Home, 212 Washington Street, on Friday, May 22, 2026, from 10:00 to 11:30 a.m. A service will immediately follow at 11:30 a.m. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery, 165 Eastern Ave., Gloucester, MA 01930. Relatives and friends are cordially invited to attend.
In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to Care Dimensions, 75 Sylvan St., Danvers, MA 01923, or Holy Family Parish, 74 Pleasant St., Gloucester, MA 01930.
