Gary Donovan Curbow

Gary Donovan Curbow, passed away peacefully on Sunday, February 4th, 2024 as the day began with a beautiful orange sunrise. He passed away at the age of 83 after battling with Alzheimer’s. He died surrounded by love in his home in Bend, Oregon, in the company of his adoring family. He is now reunited with his heavenly family Don and Deryl Curbow of Benton, Tennessee, and Pete and Weeksie Carmines of Newport News, Virginia. 

He was born on a day meant for jokes and play in Ocoee, Tennessee on April 1st, 1940. Many say his blood ran orange and it just may as well have. Gary earned his degree in Civil Engineering from Tennessee Technological University, and from there carried his incredible, honest work ethic into his greatest role in life: a leader. He was First Lieutenant of The 92nd Engineer Battalion while receiving the Army Commendation Medal, founding partner of Ritchie-Curbow Construction Company, Chairman of Newport News School Board, President of the Board for The Virginia Living Museum, and member of North Riverside Baptist Church. Yet, his proudest leadership role was being a father. 

From humble beginnings to the pinnacle of his engineering career in Virginia, his life was fueled by love and his faith. A love for family, friendships, community, education, music, football, adventure, nature — a love of life. 

You’d never hear a cross or curse word from him. Patience and unconditional love were gifts he gave freely to his family of girls. To his friends, he gave the gift of his laughter and easy-going spirit. All of this and the world he gave to the love of his life, Judy. Those who knew Gary were blessed to be a part of the life he lived and created, with intention, with love, and with joy in all things. Gary had a unique ability to make anyone around him aspire to be a better human being; he was a hero to many. We all should strive to walk in his footsteps and shine his light by showing more kindness, compassion, and patience. 

He dedicated countless hours of his life to sports. He was an outstanding player himself as the captain of several teams in high school, but he truly shined on the sidelines, whether he was attending college football games, supporting his daughter’s teams, or watching his grandchildren carry on his legacy on the field. As a dad and as “Poppy” he always shared this passion and encouraging words. Gary’s pride in his family was simply unequivocal. 

Gary leaves behind his wife of 58 years, Judy Carmines. He has three daughters, Susan Morris (Ted), Martha Curbow, and Sarah Lanigan (Ryan); seven grandchildren, Miles Morris, Charlie Morris, Lillie Sanchez, Grace Lanigan, Izzy Morris, Belle Sanchez, and Patrick Lanigan; one brother, Tim Curbow; and one sister, Angie Sanford (Chuck). Special thanks to Tony Andrews who spent many hours with him and learned to love him as we did.

In lieu of flowers, please donate in honor of our beloved Gary to the Alzheimer's Association. His family would love for you to think of a special memory of him, a photo, or a smile at a story he once told you, and share it with us at https://www.caringbridge.org/visit/garydcurbow. A “Celebration of Life” will be held in Newport News, Virginia. We will update those details at a later date. 

We will love you forever Gary, Dad, Poppy, Curbow, Hoss, and we thank you for all your years of love and inspiration. You had so much spirit and energy it comforts us to know you are free again. We will miss your larger-than-life presence in all of our lives. Rest well.

This announcement made courtesy of Higgins Funeral Home of Benton.