René A Curry Jr.

On January 25, 2023, after 83 years of a life well lived, René A. Curry Jr. spread his blue jay wings and flew on to olive green and sky blue pastures. He was born to Glorain Stoddard Curry and René A. Curry Sr. on May 24, 1939 in New Orleans LA. 

René is survived by his love of 63 years, Shirley “Sissy” Claverie Curry, and their three children: Becky Curry Zaheri (Kamran), Debbie Curry Reily (Jamie), and Guy Christopher Curry (Laura).  René was proudly known as “Pa” to his six grandchildren: Ian Reily, Spencer Zaheri, Tommy Curry, Alexa Zaheri, Erin Reily and Ellen Curry.  He is also survived by his sister Linda Curry Peterson (Charlie), and preceded in death by his parents Glorain and René A. Curry Sr., along with his sister Glorain Curry Browne. 

René made lifelong friends playing sports at Milne playground. He attended Gentilly Terrace Elementary and Beauregard Junior High. He then graduated from Jesuit High School where he was a proud member of the ROTC. René was a staunch supporter of Jesuit. He funded a scholarship endowment to Jesuit and maintained friendships with his 1956 classmates for years. Blue and white thro’ all the days of life!

While attaining his Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science at Tulane University, René served as Pledge Master and President of the Alpha Tau Omega Fraternity.  After graduating, René served a tour of duty in the U.S. Navy on the USS Bushnell in Key West FL.  When his tour ended, René received his Juris Doctor from Tulane Law School.

As a loyal supporter of Tulane University, René was appointed to several Presidential and Board Committees including: 15 year Emeritus Member of The Tulane Alumni Association; President Eamon Kelly's Committee for the Return of Basketball; and an Officer and Board Member of the Tulane Green Wave and Dug Out Clubs.

In 1979, he started his own law firm. René practiced in healthcare and medical malpractice defense, and environmental and toxic tort defense.  He prided himself on sticking to old-fashioned values. Professionalism was important to him. René said he was fortunate enough to attend law school and considered it a privilege to practice law, not a right.  As a result, he gave back to the legal community by serving on numerous boards and grading bar exams for 40 years.

Shortly after he began practicing law, René became a Board member of the Young Lawyers Section of the Louisiana State Bar Association, and an Officer and Board Member of the New Orleans Bar Association. He served on the Board of Directors of the Louisiana Association of Defense Counsel where he was also President in 1985. René was honored with an “AV” Martindale-Hubbell rating, selected as a Top Lawyer in New Orleans Magazine 2009, and awarded Leadership In Law New Orleans City Business 2010. He was also honored in 2015 for his 50 years in the practice of law by the Louisiana State Bar Association.

René enjoyed playing golf and tennis with his many friends as a member of the New Orleans Country Club. He served on the Board of Directors of Valencia for eight years, including two terms as President. He served as an elder and a member of The Session of St Charles Avenue Presbyterian Church. He was also a member of the Pickwick, Bienville, and Stratford clubs.

René traveled the world, with a particular love of Italy. He was a master at story-telling and lit up every room he entered with his smile and contagious laughter. He lived a full life!

René’s family would like to give a special thanks to his sidekicks who nurtured, loved, and laughed with him daily: Doris F., Yvonne, Lynn, Tosanna, Shai, Jari, Regina, Doris, Jackie, Danica, and Ke.  

Please join us to celebrate René A. Curry Jr. on Wednesday, February 1, 2023 at St. Charles Presbyterian Church. Visitation at 1p. Service to follow at 2p. For those unable to attend, it can be viewed at www.youtube.com/@st.charlesavenuepresbyteri2088. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be donated to the Sissy and Rene A. Curry Jr. ’56 scholarship at Jesuit High School, 4133 Banks St, New Orleans LA 70119. 504-486-6631

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