| Date of Birth | October 24, 1947 |
| Passed Away | May 14, 2026 |
| Place of Residence | Hammondsport |
| Home State | New York |
HAMMONDSPORT – Frank, age 78, died on May 14, 2026, peacefully at home in Hammondsport, New York, surrounded by his family.
He was blessed to have a supportive, loving, and generous family. Frank, born on October 24, 1947, was the eldest son of Francis “Fritz” and Grace (Domann) Curran. He is survived by his siblings and their spouses, which number twelve: Jeanne & Jim Schmidt, Margaret “Peggy” & Jimmie Martin, Michael & Barbara Curran, Elizabeth “Beth” & Warren Metherd, Patrick & Lynne Curran, and Mary & Steve Davis. Frank is also survived by his immediate family, including his wife of forty-two years Suzanne (Barkley) Curran; daughter & son-in-law Ashley & Travis Bruner and son & daughter-in-law Francis & Kelsie Curran III. He was thrilled to be a grandfather to five: Fiona Grace and Colette Marie Bruner; Francis Eugene IV, Eleanor Kathryn, and Norah Elizabeth Curran. A brother-in-law & sister-in-law Albert & Gail Barkley survives him, as well as many dear cousins and many, many very special nieces and nephews.
Frank’s curiosity and his quest for meaning was nurtured by his years at Maryknoll College in Glen Ellyn, Illinois where he received a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1969. He received his Juris Doctor degree from Syracuse University School of Law in 1980. Along the way, he marched in the Civil Rights movement, registered as a conscientious objector to war, in any form, served in the Peace Corps in the Ivory Coast, and worked for many years at St. Agatha’s Home for Children in the South Bronx.
Eventually moving to Hammondsport, New York, he married Suzanne in 1983 and began to raise a family. Following his work as a lawyer, he created a niche for himself at Bully Hill Winery, where his unique personality and sense of humor allowed him to shine, serving wine with laughter, even earning him an award from the Governor’s office.
In Hammondsport, he enjoyed a strong sense of community. He was always eager to talk and made many cherished friends, at times with dog Megan in tow. He grew tomatoes for neighbors, tutored local kids, and attended St. Gabriel’s Church. Since birth, Frank was born, raised and educated in the Roman Catholic Church. His “Works of Love” included volunteering with numerous organizations including Meals on Wheels, Catholic Charities of Steuben, as well as The Ramp Guys. Frank diligently collected pill bottles for recycling in coordination with Matthew 25 Ministries. Loaves & Fishes Food Pantry held a special place in his heart and his preparations for the annual Christmas boxes were painstaking. “Our Leprechaun” established and monitored the “Marty Jar” at the local grocery store, for too many years to remember, and made deposits of the cash and change into the Loaves & Fishes account. His years of service also included fifteen years as a member of the Board of Education at Hammondsport Central School.
The final gift Frank made was entrusting his body to the University of Rochester School of Medicine & Dentistry through the Anatomical Gift Program for the advancement of medical education.
His family is forever grateful for the hospice care provided by First Care NY, which enabled his family to care for him at home. He enjoyed the phone calls and company of family, friends, and neighbors during his last few weeks at 20 Lake Street.
A memorial service will be held the weekend of August 15th, 2026.
If desired, donations in his memory can be made to Hammondsport Loaves & Fishes Food Pantry; the Fred and Harriet Taylor Memorial Library in Hammondsport, NY; or Care First NY of Painted Post, NY.
Bishop & DeSanto Funeral Home, Hammondsport, is honored to assist Frank’s family with the arrangements.
Online condolences or remembrances are welcome below, or on the Facebook page of Bishop-Johnson & DeSanto Funeral Home.
I sure loved this man and his family. I was honored to be in their wedding!
Rest in peace, Frank.
What a great tribute to a great man. Being a cousin to Suzanne (Aunt Lucille) I had the chance to meet and greet Frank through the years.
Frank was one of the first people I met when I moved to Hammondsport, neighboring St Gabriel’s Catholic Church eleven years ago. Frank attended mass every morning and he would greet me as I went on my morning dog walk, with his usual “God Bless You”. He was dedicated to making the world a better place and will certainly be missed. But his legacy will live on through the beautiful family he and Suzanne created. Rest in Peace, Frank. Your work is done.
I knew Frank from Maryknoll high school and college seminary days. He was an ardent debater and a gifted student. He used to make me mad because he loved Latin and was so very good at it! He was always fun to be around and never at a loss for enthusiasm for almost anything——he could enjoy whatever happened to be going on and contributed with whit and energy. I will pray for the repose of his soul and all family members he leaves here. In the peace he now enjoys, he will certainly stay close to those he loved
God’s blessings on all who were enriched in this life from knowing Frank!
Fr. Scott T Harris, MM, MD
Frank was a great guy and a valuable member of our Maryknoll College class of ‘69. The spirit that drew him to Maryknoll characterized his life in all the years that followed. RIP dear friend and role model.
As a fellow PC volunteer with Suzanne, it was an honor to be in their wedding. Very grateful for all the years of friendship and laughter that followed. Frank’s playful humor, big heart and compassion for others were hallmarks of a kind and loving husband/father, and dear friend. You are forever in our hearts, Frank.
I will always remember Franks’s surprise after the kids Christmas mass since he listened to rehearsals in disbelief that they would be finally listenable. He called it a Christmas miracle. We will miss you Frank
Frank made an impact on my life. As a young mentee under the guidance of Eddie, Phil and then there was Frank. We had some of the best times sharing laughter (and working hard) at Bully Hill. He and I were the brunt of each others jokes. My inexperience as a youthful 20 something and his rosie cheeks, short in stature, but much valued words of wisdom. He made my time around him fun and I thank him for those times…….Condolences go out to Franks family.
Francis Curran, Joe Schneider, Joe Schinner- the (Il.) Belleville Boys at Maryknoll.
We were in the Bishop’s Cathedral Parish and to his chagrin choose Maryknoll over his seminaries.
We learned the Maryknoll Spirit which so many recognized in Francis (I never called him Frank and he never asked me to.)
More power to us since our Bishop later got caught up in the pedophile world.
O course, the influence of the family born into and acquired in time should never be underestimated or not fully recognized.
Frank was a lifetime friend who inspired all who knew him. His work in a South Bronx group home with children from child protective services was very impactful and meaning to all who worked with him. He continued that unselfish spirit in all his different efforts throughout his life as represented in all the activities he volunteered for throughout his life. Rest in Peace my friend after a life well lived. In gratitude, Dan M.
Frank was a life long friend and admired by all who knew him. His generosity of spirit was exemplified by his work with children in child protective services in a group home in the South Bronx. His commitment to this work and his work in so many other worthy organizations throughout his life tells the story of a man who sought to make the world a better place. His commitment to his family also exemplified his love and giving spirit. Rest in Peace my Friend, For a Life Well Lived!