Dean Richard Curry

Dean was a man of extraordinary kindness, generosity, and love. He had a genuine interest in people, a wonderful sense of humor (although his jokes occasionally earned him a good-natured roll of the eyes), and a remarkable ability to make connections wherever he went.

After graduating from Ohio University with a degree in communications, Dean followed his entrepreneurial spirit into the credit card processing industry, founding a company that he grew into a successful business and eventually sold after many years. During that time, he also ventured into real estate investing, building two other successful companies. But perhaps his most personally rewarding business venture was his involvement with AmSpirit Business Connections, where he became a franchise owner and helped grow networking chapters throughout the Columbus area. Dean had a passion for bringing people together, whether professionally or personally. His familiar response to almost any situation was, “I know a guy.” And more often than not, he did.

Dean treasured his friendships. While his innermost circle was small, it included his closest friend, Andy. His extended circle of friends, however, was seemingly endless. He never knew a stranger, loved to socialize, and had a way of making everyone feel welcome. Dean had many interests, including a love of reading and watching science fiction, traveling, and discovering new places. He had a natural curiosity and was always eager to explore somewhere he’d never been. He also enjoyed watching a variety of sports, particularly hockey. There was, however, one sport he could never quite wrap his head around: the game of golf.

At the center of Dean’s life was his marriage to his beloved wife, Nan. They fell in love quickly, married just 15 months after meeting, and spent 29 wonderful years building a life together. They shared a love of travel, family, and simply being together, whether it was just the two of them or with their dogs, Jack, Ella, and Hank. When Nan stepped away from her nursing career, they had the opportunity to work together. They were partners in every sense, sharing a marriage built on love, respect, laughter, loyalty, and a genuine delight in each other’s company.

Dean had a special closeness with his nieces and nephews, each of whom held a dear place in his heart. He took a genuine interest in their lives, celebrated their accomplishments, and was always happy to offer guidance when asked. The relationships he shared with them meant the world to him.

Dean is survived by his devoted wife of 29 years, Nan; his mother, Ginny Curry; his sister, Dawn Scheurle; and his deeply loved nieces and nephews, Gregory Busch, Kelly Burbrink (Ankur), David Busch (Jaclyn), Amanda Stoll (Mike), Alec Scheurle (Rachel), and Lauren Scheurle (Katelyn).

He was preceded in death by his father, Gene Curry.

A celebration of Dean’s life will be held on Saturday, October 31, 2026, from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. at Schoedinger Northwest Funeral Home, 1740 Zollinger Road, Columbus, Ohio. The gathering will begin promptly at 1:00 p.m. with a brief service sharing stories and memories of Dean’s life. Family and friends are encouraged to arrive in time for the service, which will last approximately 45 minutes, followed by an informal time to visit, share memories, and celebrate the wonderful person Dean was.

Dean spent his life bringing people together, and in doing so, he made the world a little closer, a little kinder, and a lot more connected. He will be deeply missed by the many people fortunate enough to have known and loved him.