August 14, 1927 – September 15, 2025

Donald Leslie Curry, affectionately known as “Pop,” passed away peacefully, leaving behind a legacy of service, adventure, and love. Born in Los Angeles to Katherine Euretta Curry (Servos) and Francis Leslie “Les” Curry, Don spent his early years in Culver City and North Hollywood. He attended North Hollywood High School before answering the call to serve his country in 1944, joining the U.S. Navy during World War II.

Don served aboard the USS Mindanao (ARG-3), and after the war, pursued his passion for communication as a radio engineer and disc jockey at KLOK in San Francisco. He joined the Air Force ROTC and graduated from San Jose State University in 1952, where he was a proud member of the Theta Chi fraternity.

Continuing his service as an officer in the United States Air Force, Don married the love of his life, Marianne “Nan” Gertsch, while stationed in Alaska. His career took him across the globe, with assignments that included Tacoma, Washington, teaching ROTC at Washington State University in Pullman, two tours in Vietnam, and postings at the Pentagon, Germany, Thailand, and South Carolina. He retired as a Lieutenant Colonel in 1974.

After retirement, Don and Marianne settled in Nevada City, where he began a second career as a beloved teacher at Seven Hills Middle School. From 1975 to 1990, Don shaped young minds with the same warmth and wisdom he shared with his family, forming lifelong friendships along the way.

Don was a man of many passions—an avid artist, fisherman, hunter, golfer, skier, farmer and world traveler. He found joy in simple pleasures: sharing meals with friends, skiing with his children, and playing golf with his buddies. He lived life fully and generously, always making time for those he loved.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Marianne, in 2021, and his granddaughter, Sarah, in 1998. Don is survived by his four children: Genanne Hill (Loren), Mark Curry (Rachel), Susan Spence (Dennis), and Lisa Curry; eight grandchildren: Rebecca, Daniel, Dustin, Kaitlyn, Jaman, Barrett, Alex, and Douglas; and ten great-grandchildren: Emma, Taylor, Eva, Arianna, Venus, Leonidas, Liam, Isabella, Adelynn, Boone, and James.

Pop will be remembered not only for his accomplishments but for his kindness, humor, and the way he embraced life. He was a devoted husband, a loving father and grandfather, and a true friend to many. His legacy lives on in the stories, laughter, and memories shared by all who knew him.

Don will be laid to rest with honors alongside his wife, Marianne, at Sacramento Valley National Cemetery in Dixon, California.

A funeral service will be held Saturday, November 15, at 11:00 AM, at Holy Trinity Episcopal Church, 201 Nevada St., Nevada City, CA. A reception will follow at 12:00 PM at the Nevada City Elks Lodge located at 518 CA-49, Nevada City, CA.