Francis Robert Curtis Jr.

Fran was born on August 13, 1952 in Phoenixville, PA and passed away quietly on January 27, 2025 in Gilbert, AZ. He was the first born child of Francis Robert Curtis, Sr of Philadelphia, PA and Joyce Ann (Umstead) Curtis of Phoenixville, PA.

Fran is survived by his wife of 25 years, Michele (Mic) Curtis of Detroit, Michigan; Daughters Mariah Peyta Tyler-Savage and Tehya Curtis; Grandchildren Gage Curtis (Taylor), Cameryn Tyler, Ryan Tyler, Navy Banks, and Roman Banks; Great Grandchildren Monroe Curtis, Timothy M Curtis and Malcolm Curtis; his sisters Cindy Herb (Mark) and Carol Mohan; as well as many nieces and nephews. Fran is proceeded in death by his brothers Timothy, Russell, and Richard.

Fran graduated from Spring Ford High School in 1969 and entered into the United States Navy the same year. He would go on to serve in Vietnam after successfully completing SEAL training and began a decorated career in the Special Forces. He was a POW and received two Purple Hearts. Fran was assigned to the White House under the Nixon Administration. He moved to Sunnyvale, CA in 1974 and attended San Jose State University where he earned a Bachelors Degree in Political Science. In true Fran fashion, he took on a myriad of jobs, some included a City of Saratoga building inspector, construction business owner, fitness coach and competitive body building, as well as completing cosmetology school. Fran would return to Pittsburgh, PA in 1979 for a short stint only to return to the coast of California. He eventually switched military branches and joined the United States Army becoming an Army Ranger at the age of 45. Fran loved the outdoors and could be found all over the west coast, with an affinity for Yosemite, Death Valley, and the Anza Borrego Desert. Fran spent endless time exploring in his CJ7 (top off of course) with his daughters and military brothers. This led to the meeting of a very dear friend, Jerry Balistreri, who sparked and inspired Fran’s love for teaching. Fran then began a career teaching at risk high school students who were either expelled or in juvenile detention. In 2001 he went back to school to become certified in all subjects and received a Master’s Degree in Education graduating Summa Cum Laude.

Fran officially retired from the Army in August 2012 after 43 years of service. He then retired from teaching in December of the same year. Unfortunately weeks after retirement he would be diagnosed with stage 4 tonsil cancer. After completing treatment, Fran and Michele decided to sell everything (except the Indian motorcycle); they purchased a truck and a fifth wheel and embarked on what would become a wonderful adventure of fulltime RV traveling the country, and they would winter in Arizona with their growing family. Together they would get involved as camp hosts and stopped for every piece of history along the way, Fran being the never-ending learner.

Fran loved reenacting and joined the Black Hills Shooter Club robbing the 1880 historical train from Hill City, SD to Keystone, SD. Once he became a resident of Arizona, he joined the Goldfield Mines Muleskiners and entertained tourists from all over the world with cowboy shoot out skits every weekend from Nov 1st to the end of April.

Fran would go on to battle and bear a series of 4 more cancers that eventually led to him losing his voice in 2019. In true Fran fashion, he taught many in the medical field with his one of a kind diagnosis and hard headed, stubborn will. He was truly always a teacher! Fran was also a gifted artist; drawing, painting, and musician playing the guitar and harmonica. He was never found without a weapon, his bird book, and old glory flying wherever the wind would take him. Fran’s love of life, people, storytelling, and free spirit took him around the world. He always loved his country, his comrades, his family, and was forever performing acts of service. He was a mountain of a man and will forever be missed and cherished by his family and many friends. His teachings will live on through the next generations for years to come.

Until we meet again Fran, “Old soldiers never die, they simply fade away”

From Fran’s oldest Grandchildren:

Gage Giovanni Curtis: “I am going to miss the wild stories of his adventures in life and the wisdom that comes with them. He made me proud to share his last name and even more proud to give my children the Curtis name. Thanks to him I can teach my children how to grow a blooming garden or how to prepare a proper old fashion drink when the time comes. He is the most honorable man I have yet to know and I’m beyond happy to have shared so many memories with him”

Cameryn Lauren Tyler: “I will miss the wisdom in his storytelling, the comfort in his big bear hugs, and the sound of his silly robotic laughs. He taught us how to be strong, shoot a gun, repel off a mountain, and embrace the little things in life. I will think of him in all things free-spirited, full of life and adventure”

Ryan Lee Tyler: “Grandpa was a man everyone looked up to. I will forever carry his life lessons near and dear to my heart. He taught me what it meant to be strong, to take pride in my work, and to embrace my passions in life. I am honored to call him my grandpa and know that his legacy will live on in all of us”