William J. Curran

William “Bill” Curran, also fondly known as Willie, Billy, Sweet Willie, One-Eared Willie, B-Pa, and Funcle, was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend to many. He passed away due to respiratory failure on December 12, 2024, at the age of 80. Bill leaves behind his loving wife of 56 years, Patricia "Penny" Curran; his sons, Christopher (Heather) and Scott (Stephanie); his beloved grandchildren, Jack, Kate, Kaitlyn, Maggie, Hugh, Harry, and Violet; his siblings, Bob Curran (Barbara) and Sally DiBello (Don); his sister-in-law, Pamela Laws (Robert Whitelaw); and his nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his dear daughter, Charlotte.

Born and raised as a street-smart product of greater Philadelphia and Caldwell, NJ, Bill’s early connection to nature began through the skills he learned working alongside his father and older brother, Bobby, as a tree man and tree surgeon. From climbing and pruning trees to healing them, these formative experiences planted the seeds for a lifelong respect for the natural world.

Bill earned his undergraduate degree at Temple University before pursuing his passion for landscape architecture and design at Utah State University in Logan. The stunning beauty of the Wasatch and Bear River Mountains in Utah left a profound impression on him, solidifying his belief that nature was his church.

Bill’s calling to preserve the natural world lead to his career at the Adirondack Park Agency (APA), where he worked for 30 years and eventually rose to serve as Director of Operations. The Adirondack Park, spanning six million acres, became his life’s work. Larger than Yellowstone, Yosemite, Grand Canyon, and Glacier National Parks combined, its sheer enormity and importance as a sanctuary inspired Bill to dedicate himself to its preservation for future generations.

Bill’s love of nature extended to the ocean, where he spent his childhood summers in Beach Haven, NJ. Throughout his life, Bill spent countless nights fishing offshore and days chartering for big game fish with his children at the Jersey Shore, Florida Keys, Indian Shores along the Gulf of Mexico, and the Bahamas. At the young age of 23, Bill landed the greatest catch of his life, Patricia Parke Laws, and together they built a life and legacy in the Adirondacks, enjoying 56 years together. Saranac Lake, NY, and Strathmere, NJ, gave Bill and Penny so much joy, a joy that has been passed down and embraced by their children and grandchildren.

When not working or fishing, Bill could often be found golfing with friends and family in the Adirondacks or in Florida with his brother Bob and his sister-in-law Barbara. Many times, Penny and Bill’s sister Sally and brother-in-law Don would tag along, keeping them honest with their scores, making those golf outings some of their greatest shared memories. Cooking, storytelling, cracking jokes and his long standing Tuesday night liar's poker games were also among his passions.

Bill was a man with many friends, known for his charm, wit, humor, and extraordinary dedication to family and nature. His legacy is one of love, stewardship, and an enduring commitment to preserving the beauty of the world around him. Bill was seen as an armchair intellectual who often simplified confusing concepts—all the while making you laugh, even when you didn’t understand or follow. No one loved Bill’s jokes more than Bill! He was dependable, wise, and a surrogate father to many. He was authentic and unassuming—always available to counsel and advise, but only if asked.

Bill Curran’s memory will forever remain in the hearts of those who were fortunate enough to know him. His life, marked by laughter, love, and purpose, leaves a legacy as vast and enduring as the Adirondacks he so cherished.

A celebration of Bill’s life will be held in the late spring. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to either Protect the Adirondacks or to Saranac Lake Volunteer Rescue Squad - see links below.  The family also encourages all to honor Bill’s memory by cracking a good joke, being kind to your neighbor, and telling a fantastic story!