John Henry Curran

On December 27, 2019, John Henry Curran reunited with Eleanor, his beloved wife of 64 extraordinary years. Surrounded by family, John was listening to his children praying the Rosary while he slipped into the arms of Jesus.

Born in Carluke, Scotland on December 1, 1923, John was the youngest child of Catherine Mullan and William Curran. During WWII, John served in the Royal Navy as a mechanic aboard an aircraft carrier. In April 1951, he emigrated to White Plains, New York to join his Uncle Patrick Mullan. Moving to California in 1952, he subsequently met his soulmate, Eleanor Scimeca, at a St. Augustine's Sinners and Saints Club dance. Eleanor always joked that "Johnny" was the Saint, but everyone knew the truth was that they both were more than saintly. The two lovebirds were married on April 24, 1954 at St. Augustine Catholic Church in Culver City. They would relish their next 64 years of marital bliss.

A couple of years after their wedding, they had their son, Robert William (Bonnie) Curran. Barbara Grace (Scott) Rosen was born in 1959, two months after they purchased their house in Mar Vista. The home would serve them well for the next 57 years. Baby girl Catherine Ann (Mark) Johnson was born 2 years later.

In order to send his children to Catholic school and instill the Catholic values that were such an essential part of his life, John worked diligently for the next 30 years as a master machinist and tool maker. When John retired in 1988, he purchased a scroll saw and table saw, and enjoyed countless hours with his newfound hobby of woodworking. He showered his family and friends with all sorts of gifts of intricate trivets, toy boxes, furniture, shelving, Christmas candle holders, planters, and so much more.

John was heartbroken when he lost his cherished Eleanor on November 19, 2018. Nevertheless, he maintained a cheerful outlook on life --- even during his final, difficult weeks.

John was an incredibly charming and gentle man. Everyone who met him couldn't help but instantly love him. As his health declined in December 2019, family from far and wide stood vigil around him, primarily out of adoration for the life he led so exquisitely.

In addition to his three children and their spouses, John is survived by his nine grandchildren and seven great grandchildren. John is preceded in death by his brother William Curran, and sisters Bridget Curran Doolan and Annie Curran Scotland.

The family extends their gratitude to all of the wonderful staff of the San Dimas Retirement Center who worked so hard to make John's later years more comfortable, and to the loving crew at the Emante Health Hospice and Home Care in West Covina for the compassionate care they gave to John in his waning days.

Funeral mass will be held at Holy Cross Holy Redeemer Chapel at 5835 W. Slauson Avenue in Culver City, Ca. on Saturday, January 11th, 2020 at 12:00 p.m. Prior to funeral services, a 10:30am Rosary will take place at Gates, Kingsley and Gates, 4420 S. Sepulveda Blvd. in Culver City, Ca. Immediately following the funeral service, friends and family are invited to a reception back at Gates, Kingsley and Gates.

In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations be made in John's honor to San Dimas Retirement Center at 834 W. Arrow Hwy, San Dimas, Ca. 91773.