John Delafield Curtis' Obituary
It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of John Delafield Curtis, loving husband, to Anne Matthews Curtis for 52 years. John was born on August 11th, 1940, in a log cabin in Roque Bluffs Maine during the Perseid meteor shower, and lived until March 2nd, 2025. John was the 3rd child of Elizabeth Delafield (Longfellow) Curtis and Thomas James Curtis. He had a loving childhood in the Washington D.C. area and spent every summer in Maine. He graduated from the California Institute of Technology in 1962 and received a PhD in Celestial Mechanics from the University of Maryland in 1969. John was an economist and was President of the Delafield Corporation, a firm specializing in commodity world market analysis and philanthropy.
Family was an integral part of John's life. He married Anne Matthews on June 17, 1972. Their family grew over the next 6 years. He was a devoted father to Christopher, Jay and Nicholas. John gave them the freedom to flourish as individuals with a calm and consistent parenting style. He supported the boys in their endeavors and was so proud of their accomplishments. Anne’s care for John over the last years was such an example of undeniable deep love and commitment.
Following grad school, he worked briefly for the Department of Energy. He then managed to turn what was initially a hobby of analyzing commodities into a full-time career. John’s career led him to invest in the citrus industry near Lake Wales, Florida. In 1982, John, Anne, and their three sons relocated to the Orlando area.
From a very young age, John had a passion for mathematics, that could only be rivaled by his love of summers spent in Maine. A lifetime of summers enjoying clambakes, boating and spending time with loved ones is a tradition that has been passed down to his children and grandchildren.
Those who knew John remarked that he was the smartest person they had ever met. He had a quiet humility and grace which made everyone feel comfortable and welcomed in his presence. John's legacy of generosity and compassion will continue to inspire his family and all who knew him.
In his later years he enjoyed traveling and even fulfilled a lifetime dream of visiting the wonders of Pompeii. John's spirit lives on. We shall all remember his gentle smile, his sense of humor, his whole-hearted laughter and his presence in our lives. He had an impact on all of us in a unique way that will never be forgotten. We mourn the loss of a truly exceptional gentleman.
John is survived by his wife Anne, his three sons Christopher (Abby), Jay (Kathy), and Nicholas, and grandchildren Grant, Acadia, Charlotte, and Ari, his brother Thomas (Denise) and numerous nieces and nephews and much extended family. He was preceded in death by his sister Kristin and his beloved granddaughter Chloe Ann.
Rest in Peace, dear John. You will be deeply missed.
A Funeral Mass will be held at Queen of Peace Catholic Church in Gainesville, Florida on Friday, March 14th at 10:00 am. A reception will follow in the church. There will be a Celebration of John’s life this summer in Maine. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to The Children’s Outreach Program of the Gainesville Orchestra https://www.flipcause.com/secure/donate/MjAwNDI2.
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