Obituary of Richard J. Curran

CURRAN RICHARD J.

(Rip) 1944-2024

     Richard J. Curran, 80, of Wildwood Crest, N.J., passed away peacefully on November 19, 2024. Born in Somers Point, N.J., he was a local resident for 80 years. Richard attended St. Ann’s Elementary and Wildwood Catholic High School, graduating in 1962. He then attended Villanova University and Glassboro State College. Upon return- ing to Wildwood, Richard joined the N.J. National Guard where he served for six years, being honorably discharged in 1972. Sum- mers, starting in 1972, found him manning the door at the iconic Sham- rock Cafe in Wildwood, responsibly protecting the business for 26 years. Rich, or “Rip” as his friends called him, then started a second career as a bar- tender at Kelly’s Cafe in Wildwood. “Rip” wore many hats, serving on the Wildwood Crest Election Committee from 1973-2023 and the Wildwood Crest and Cape May County Planning Boards. Also, he was a Wildwood Crest Zon- ing Official, as well as a past president of the Wildwood Crest Historical Society. Rich loved recall- ing the history of “his” Five Mile Island. He was an avid fan of Wildwood Catholic and Wildwood High School basketball.

       Rich was predeceased by his parents, James and Marie (McClure) Curran, his brother Jim, and his former wife Andrea Mogck Curran. He is survived by his be- loved sister Marjorie, neph- ews Raymond John, and Martin, and niece Mary Catherine.

      Mass of Christian Burial  11 am Monday , December 30 , 2024 at St. Ann's Church , 2900 Atlantic Ave., Wildwood, NJ 08260  with a calling time for relatives and friends from 10 am to 10:45 am. Interment will be private. Donations in Richard’s memory may be sent to Special Olympics Area 8, P.O. Box 302, Cedarville, N.J. 08311, or to The Arc of Cape May County, One Village Drive, Cape May Court House, N.J. 08210. Condolences may be made to Ingersollgreenwoodfh.com

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