Scott R. Curtis

Scott Randall Curtis

Born July 14, 1962          Died March 14, 2024

Scott was brought into this world on a fine midsummer day by Elizabeth Jane Willimott (Betty) and James Allen Curtis, Sr.  Reluctant to leave the secure confines of his mother’s womb, Scott needed to be pulled out feet first, kicking and screaming.  His twin brother Todd, who was waiting his turn to feel fresh air on his face, helped Scott’s journey by providing some well-placed nudges to the top of his head.

Scott had a very interesting childhood, growing up with seven brothers and sisters in a comfortable but somewhat undersized house in the Coldbrook neighborhood in Rotterdam, NY.  They were a close family, both literally and figuratively.

He was fit and athletic, participating in a number of sports: hockey, baseball, basketball, soccer, and of course football.  He loved football so much that he approached the other sports as if the rules of football applied – full out and full contact.

His sense of humor was lifted directly from his father’s joke book.  In fact, he mastered the “Dad Joke” well before he became a father himself.  And so, when the time came, he was well-prepared to regale his two children, Evan and Ariana, with his repertoire of humorous and often corny expressions during their childhoods.

Scott went to school at St. Luke’s and graduated from Mohonasen High School.  He went on to Herkimer Community College and then Schenectady County Community College, where he earned a degree in Culinary Arts.  Food preparation was one of his many skills.

He had always been a hardworking man.  He’s had a variety of jobs, including delivering products for Adirondack Tires and baked goods for Freihofer’s, where he became an independent contractor with his own truck, route, and customers.

An activity he enjoyed, as much as anything, was going to his sister Sandy’s and her husband Dick’s camp on the Independence River near Lowville, NY.  He really loved splitting wood to build enormous campfires that he would continuously tend, sometimes all night long.  The combination of campfire smoke and fresh air while listening to some of his favorite music by the Outlaws, REO Speedwagon, and Nils Lofgren, was so relaxing to him that he would often say that being in that bucolic setting added six months to his life each time he went.

Now for the sad news: Scott had been battling prostate cancer for the last several years.  He’s endured surgeries and a number of treatments with an upbeat and positive attitude that was a marvel to witness.  Unfortunately, the disease was much like Scott himself - stubborn.

Scott was married to Lynn Curtis (Durante).  His children are Evan (granddaughter Eloise) and Ariana West (Dan).    He was pre-deceased by his father and mother (both of whom were mentioned above), brother Stephen, and brother-in-law Dick Trawick.  His surviving siblings are Jeanne Okpu (Bana), Sandra Trawick (Dick), James Jr. (Kathleen Coyle), Michael (Kathleen Brown), Jeffrey (Tammy Leone), his twin brother Todd (Tammy Grace), and David (Brooke McConnell).  He also leaves behind 19 nieces and nephews.

For those who wish to make a gesture in Scott’s name, please consider a donation to the Mountain Valley Hospice, 108 Steele Ave., Gloversville NY  12708.  The staff is superb: Caring, compassionate, attentive – they did everything necessary to make Scott as comfortable as possible.  The Curtis family cannot thank them enough.

Scott will be very much missed by his entire family and all his friends.  Slainte and godspeed to you, our beloved brother.

A celebration to honor and remember Scott will be announced in the near future.