WESTFIELD – Richard Edward “Cracker” Curran, 91, (1934-2026) passed away peacefully on Friday, July 24th, 2026, at Baystate Medical Center surrounded by his loving 
family. He was born in Westfield to the late Daniel and Katherine (Pierce) Curran.
He served in the United States Army from 1957-1959. Before and after his service in the US Army, Richard was employed as a telephone repairman for a total of 41 years of service and retired from Verizon in 1995. He was a proud member of the Model A Restorers Club, having owned his 1931 Ford Deluxe Roadster since high school. He was also a longtime friend of Bill W. and helped countless fellow members along the way.
Richard enjoyed his camp on Seymour Lake in Vermont, appropriately named “Cracker’s Castle,” and his Wednesday morning Coffee Club with fellow retired telephone friends. He always prayed to be a good husband, father and grandfather. Those prayers were answered as he was simply the best.
Sadly, Richard was predeceased by his beloved wife, Frances T. (Grigalunas) Curran in 2021, as well as his brothers Danny, Billy, Jackie, Tommy, Patty, Bobby and sisters Rita Bruno and Kay McKemmie and son-in-law Louis Puza. He is survived by his six loving children, Nancy A. Bristol of Granby, MA, Charlyn F. Puza of Nantucket, MA, Daniel J. Curran and his wife Kabrena Rodda of Richland, WA, Benjamin F. Curran and his wife Erin McGrane of Stillwater, MN, Catherine C. McKenzie and her husband Carl of Westfield and Margaret “Peggy” Charvat and her husband Craig of Westfield, a brother Bernard Curran and his wife Kitty of Westfield, a sister Judith Orciari and her husband Carlo of Keene, NH and his cherished nineteen grandchildren and sixteen great-grandchildren, as well as uncountable dear cousins, nieces and nephews.
Cracker will always be remembered for greeting you with a smile, being willing to give a helping hand and supporting his family and friends without hesitation. Family memories of birthday phone calls, his famous “Happy Dance” and rides in the rumble seat of the Model A will forever hold a special place in our hearts.
Richard’s funeral will be held on Saturday, August 1st, 2026, at 10 a.m. from the Firtion Adams Funeral Service, 76 Broad Street, Westfield, MA 01085 followed by a Mass at 11 a.m. in Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament Church, 127 Holyoke Road, Westfield. Burial will follow the mass in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Southampton Road, Westfield. Visiting hours will be held on Friday, July 31st, 2026, from 4-7 p.m. in the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, donations in Richard’s name may be directed to Covenant House or The Wilson House – Birthplace of Bill W. www.firtionadams.com
