Curtin, John Age 44, of Chicago passed away of complications from melanoma on April 26th, 2012. Devoted son of Agnes (nee O'Malley) and the late Gerard D. "Jerry" Curtin; loving brother of Mary Pat (David) Wahlgren and Paul Curtin; proud and adored uncle of Hannah and Gavin. A ferocious intellect and champion of the underdog, John had 2 lives: he trained and worked as an educator, teaching high school English on the west side of Chicago in his first, active life of traveling, cycling, and climbing. His passions eventually took him to the West, where he worked as a Vista volunteer, bicycle tour guide, and deliverer of meals to AIDS patients. Injured in an accident in 2001, John's second life as a quadriplegic began initially in Seattle, but continued and eventually ended in Chicago. While his body was stilled, his mind was no less active: he continued his work as an educator, teaching online writing courses through DePaul University, corresponding with friends all over the country, voraciously devouring books, films, art, music, and politics, and relishing the company and conversations with friends of all ages and beliefs. Visitation Thursday, May 3, 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at St. Nicholas Church, 806 Ridge Ave., Evanston, IL 60202; Memorial Mass Friday 10:30 a.m. at St. Nicholas Church; Interment Private, Calvary Cemetery; In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Northwestern Memorial Foundation's Patient and Family Assistance Fund , Galter Pavilion, Suite 3-200, 251 East Huron Street, Chicago, Illinois 60611 or www.nmh.org/nm/donate-online-giving. Service info: Donnellan Family Funeral Services 847.675.1990 or www.donnellanfuneral.com
Published in Chicago Sun-Times on April 28, 2012
