Rev Hugh John Curran C.S.B.

Rev. Hugh John Curran, C.S.B. died peacefully in his sleep December 10, 2010 at Providence Health Care Centre. Father Curran was born in Clarkson, Ontario, February 12, 1925, one of five children of John J. Curran and Eulala (Flynn) Curran. Hugh was raised on an orchard farm in the Clarkson area and a member of St. Mary’s Parish. He attended the local public school and high school in neighbouring Port Credit. In 1942, he began his final two years of high school at St. Michael’s College School, Toronto and entered St. Basil’s Novitiate in 1943. Hugh made his profession of vows the following year. His first assignment was to Assumption College, Windsor where he obtained a BA degree in 1947. He was then appointed to teach at St. Thomas High School in Houston for one year, followed by a year of teaching at Catholic Central High School, Detroit. Father Curran then returned to Toronto for Theological Studies and was ordained to the priesthood June 29, 1951. Following his ordination Father Hugh began parish ministry at St. Basil’s Church, Toronto. After a number of years at St. Basil’s he successfully served in several parishes: Holy Family parish, Missouri City, Texas; Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Glendale, Arizona and Assumption Parish, Windsor, Ontario. Father Hugh was gifted with a cheerful gentle disposition and because of his openness and friendliness many sought his counsel and direction. His parishioners, colleagues and confreres also admired his wisdom and great sense of humour. He began living in retirement at Dillon House, Houston, July 2002. In 2006 because Father Hugh needed special health care, he moved to Anglin House in the Cardinal Flahiff Basilian Centre, Toronto. Father Hugh is predeceased by his parents, brother Paul Edward and sister Mrs. Eleonore Lee. To his sisters Mrs. Margery Doyle, Mrs. Lorraine Watters, sister-in-law Mrs. Christine Curran as well as nieces and nephews, and numerous friends, the Basilian Fathers offer their condolences and a promise of prayers.

There will be a Vigil Service on Sunday December 12th at 7:30 p.m. with visitation from 2-5 p.m. at the Cardinal Flahiff Basilian Centre, 95 St. Joseph St., Toronto. The Mass of Resurrection will be celebrated in the same chapel on Monday December 13th, 2010 at 10 a.m. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to the Basilian Fathers Retirement Fund, 95 St. Joseph St., Toronto, ON, M5S 3C2.