John F. Curtis, Jr.

May 10, 1938 - February 14, 2015

John Francis (Jack) Curtis served in the Honor Guard from August 7, 1958 until August 7, 1959. As a result of his service, he received a Certificate of Award in Recognition of Outstanding Performance at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Jack enlisted in the Army in August of 1957, completed basic training at Fort Dix, New Jersey and went on to advanced training at Fort Carson, Colorado. From there, he was stationed at Fort Myer, Virginia as part of the 1st Battalion, 3rd Infantry. Jack's first post was at Arlington National Cemetery as part of the Firing Party Platoon and as a guard to Army Chief of Staff, Maxwell Taylor. It was during that time that he volunteered to guard the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Following his discharge from service, Jack returned to his native Middletown, New York to complete his associate's degree before matriculating to the University of Florida. He was awarded a degree in Architecture in 1964. His interest in architecture developed during his exposure to the architecture of Washington, DC. Jack moved to Philadelphia after graduation and worked as an intern architect and project manager before starting his own firm, Environmental Design Collaborative, where he was an owner and managing principal. The firm was a diverse practice that included the planning and design of office and industrial parks as well as corporate headquarters' buildings. Following the death of his initial partner, the firm reorganized and became Curtis Cox Kennerly. Jack embodied the true spirit of the firm, mentoring young architects, forming partnerships with clients, and approaching projects in a highly collaborative manner. He was, and has remained, a strong proponent of sustainability and integrated design. He and his wife, Dolores, live in Philadelphia. He is the father of seven children and has ten grandchildren. Jack is someone who valued long-term relationships and it was reflected in his professional and personal lives Jack has always enjoyed spending time with his family and large circle of friends. Prior to his illness, he was an avid traveler and motorcyclist. He was passionate about both motorcycle and car racing. Jack's love of the natural world manifested itself in spending as much time as possible fishing, hunting small game, gardening, and cooking.. Relatives and friends are invited to his Memorial Mass on Tuesday, February 24, at 10:30 a.m. in Our Mother of Consolation Church, 9 E. Chestnut Hill Ave., Phila. Interment private. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts in his honor may be made to the Mazzoleni Research Fund, C/O Dr. Naomi Haas, 3535 Market St., Suite 750, Phila., PA 19104 or Our Mother of Consolation Church (address above). Arr. Dinan Funeral Home. THE CURTIS FAMILY SINCERELY REQUESTS THAT NO FLOWERS BE SENT OR ORDERED FOR MR. CURTIS, SINCE THE CHURCH DOES NOT ALLOW FLOWERS DURING LENT. THEY WOULD LIKE YOU TO SEND DONATIONS TO THE ADDRESSES LISTED IN THE OBITUARY. THANK YOU