Ronald Curry

Ronald Curry (May 9, 1942) passed away peacefullyin his sleep, at the age of 81, on the morning of September 11, 2023. The youngest child born to the late Rev. George Sr. and Alberta Moses Curry, Ron attended A. Leo Weil Elementary, Herron Hill Junior High and Schenley High School. Throughout his childhood in the Burrows Street Projects of the Hill District, he was taught the importance of family, hard work, and moral values at a young age.

Ron’s strong faith began as a child.  Raised Baptist, he became Presbyterian when he married the love of his life, Carolyn Heywood, a member of Grace Memorial Presbyterian Church. Their union produced three children (Carla, Ron, Jr., and Brooke), bolstered Ron’s commitment to service and steadily led him to serve on numerous church committees. He helped as a leader (Elder/Trustee),steward (Church Treasurer, Pastor Search Committee Member; Chair, Music and Worship, Chair, Personnel Committee, Budget and Finance Committee), advocate (Former member – Pittsburgh Black Caucus), and friend (Moderator of Men’s Council), and was awarded Honorary Life Membership by the Presbyterian Women. Ron received a Certificate of Christian Leadership in the first graduating class of the Metro-Urban Institutewhile attending Pittsburgh Theological Seminary.

At one point Ron considered becoming an attorney, however, God directed him toward education.Following high school, Ron attended Central State College in Wilberforce, Ohio for two years before transferring to the University of Pittsburgh and completing a degree in political science. While working at Pitt as Assistant Director of the New Careers Educational Program, he completed a master’s degree from the Graduate School of Public and International Affairs. After leaving Pitt, he worked more than 20 years as Coordinator of Adult Basic Education (ABE) Programs at State Corrections Institute-Pittsburgh. He earned a second master’s degree in special education from Slippery Rock University. 

Besides his family, Ron’s generosity extended to his beloved Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Iota Phi Chapter (Pittsburgh, PA). As a lifetime member, he exemplified the cardinal principles of Omega Psi Phi: Manhood, Scholarship, Perseverance and Uplift. He received an award for outstanding service to the Iota Phi Chapter, was active as Corridor Representative, Keeper of Records and Seals, chair of many events, and any other role he was called to do. 

As a member of the EMANONs (NO NAME backwards), the second-oldest Black men’s social club in Pittsburgh, Ron held various positions within this group and enjoyed their monthly remedial math classes (i.e., poker)!

Ron was preceded in death by his sister Betty Jones. He is survived by his loving wife of 60 years Carolyn, and their three children: Carla Dennis, Ronald Curry, Jr., and Brooke Spencer, and two siblings: Yvonne Curry Johnson and George Curry, Jr. He is also survived by four grandchildren: Sean Dennis, Morgan (Tim) Morris, Hunter (Daniel) Hambright and Bennett Spencer, and five great grandchildren: Ryan, Simeon and Torrin Morris, and Aurelia and Delaney Hambright. He will be missed by a host of nieces, nephews, family, and friends.

The family requests that bright colors be worn as a celebration of his life. 

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be sent to:

Iota Phi Foundation of Pittsburgh (1423 Liverpool Street, Pittsburgh, PA  15233), and/or 

Grace Memorial Presbyterian Church (1000 Bryn Mawr Road, Pittsburgh, PA  15219)

Online Service Information

For audio only: dial (253) 215-8782 

For video: Download the Zoom app 

Meeting ID: 3775280404# 

Password: 1868#

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