Groton - Robert F. Curley, of 1159 Poquonnock Rd., Groton died Sunday at his residence.

He was born in Bronx, N.Y. on June 29, 1927. He married Pauline Dorothy Mayers on Aug. 24, 1948. Mrs. Curley died on Sept. 19, 2009.

Prior to his marriage, he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps and was honorably discharged at the end of World War II.

He became a fire fighter in New York City in January of 1952, and was promoted through the ranks until August of 1976, when he retired as a Deputy Fire Chief from the South Bronx, the busiest fire district in the world.

He went on to perform safety and fire services in Florida, California, West Point and at Subase New London.

He is survived by his son, Dougls Curley of Groton; his daughter, Nita Curley of Waterford; his sister, Alyce Conners of California; and his brother, James Curley of Forida.

A Memorial Service will be held 7 p.m. on Friday at the Byles-Groton Memorial Home, 310 Thames St., Groton. Burial will be private.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to The Salvation Army, 5 Gov. Winthrop Blvd., New London, CT 06320 or to a fire company of your choice.

Reposted from Theday.com