Robert Edward Curnen

WORCESTER, MA - Robert E. Curnen, age 86, of Worcester, Massachusetts, passed away peacefully on Monday, October 26, 2026, surrounded by his family. He was the second of four children of Francis and Mary Curnen. Robert was the beloved husband of Zorina (nee Muratti) for 62 years, and the loving father of Marco, Michael, Monique, and Matthew, and father-in-law of Zahida, Mary Beth, Navin, and Olga. Last but hardly least, he was the proud Abuelo of six amazing grandkids: Cristina, Emilio, Diego, Olivia, Emilia, and Isabella.

Born in 1940, Robert learned to be independent and fearless growing up in New York. He developed a keen love of reading and the sea, especially on early visits to Nova Scotia, and a life-defining summer spent off the coast of Maine. After attending Fordham Prep in New York, he attended the College of the Holy Cross, where he met lifelong friends, majored in French and Philosophy, and courted the love of his life, Zorina. His love of the sea called him to volunteer for the Navy Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC), and after commissioning he served on USS GAINARD (DD 706) deploying to the Mediterranean and the Cuban Missile Crisis. After marrying Zorina, they spent three glorious years in Naples, Italy where both Marco and Michael were born. After departing the service, Robert returned to his passion for education, achieving a Masters in French from Assumption College, and beginning his career-defining work in the Framingham Public School system.

Robert was deeply invested in public education. As a teacher and administrator, he fought tirelessly to ensure that Framingham students had the absolute best opportunities possible to learn languages and develop themselves. Always ready to invest, Robert remained lifelong friends with the students and teachers he worked with. Never one to take it easy, he taught at every level, in every part of the school system, always ensuring he had a true pulse of what was going on in the corridors of Framingham’s Schools. Even after retirement, Robert’s love for education continued with his work both as a tutor, as well as continuing to educate himself. Robert’s dedication to the education of his children, his friends, and his community was exemplary and his impact will be felt for years to come.

Robert’s love of the sea did not end with his naval service. He always remained close to the water. He spent a great many hours paddling the lakes and rivers of eastern Mass in his canoe, and a great many more rowing about Lobster Bay, Nova Scotia in his beloved dory. He was never happier than when he was aboard his beloved sailboat, Esperanza, with the wind singing in the rigging and Zorina by his side. His lifelong love of the ocean remains one of many beautiful memories handed down to his children.

Robert was also a devout Catholic, who cared deeply for those around him. His desire to help those in need was boundless, and his life was made all the richer for it. All were welcome at his table, and he was always happy to share a home-cooked meal with anyone in need. Robert will always be remembered as a humble servant of Christ and a pillar of the community. He will be deeply missed by his family and dear friends.

Family and friends will gather to honor Robert’s memory at a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 AM on Saturday, November 14 at St. George Catholic Church, 40 Brattle Street, Worcester. Interment will be private. Arrangements are in the care of Miles Funeral Home of Holden.

In lieu of flowers, Memorial Donations in Robert’s name may be made to: Wounded Warrior Project: https://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/ ; Catholic Charities of Worcester https://www.ccworc.org/ ; New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill https://nebg.org/advancement/.