Tony Curmi

Anthony “Tony” Edward Curmi, age 72, of Ypsilanti, Michigan passed away on July 17, 2023.

Tony was born in Detroit, Michigan to Irene and Edward Curmi.  He is the beloved husband of Paula (née Moore) Curmi, devoted father of Joshua and Sarah Curmi and step-father of Kourtney (David) Bechtel and Ryan Henson, proud grandfather of one, proud step-grandfather of nine as well as step-great grandfather of two.

He is deeply loved and will be greatly missed by his siblings Terri (David) Joswick and Sue (Jerry) Chesebro and his nieces Jessica Joswick (Prashanth Pandian), and Katie VanKampen and nephew Andrew (Vanessa) Chesebro, as well as seven great-nephews and nieces. 

He was preceded in death by his mother, Irene Curmi.

Tony graduated from John Glenn High School in 1969 and from Michigan State University in 1973 with a Bachelor of Science degree and passion for a good round of Bridge.  After graduating from Michigan State, Tony began a 38-year career at Ford Motor Company, working in various departments ending in Human Resources Management when he retired. He was truly grateful and devoted to the Company, acquired many lifelong friends there, and as a result had many fond memories of his time at Ford.

During his retirement years, Tony enjoyed several trips across the US on his Harley-Davidson motorcycle, he did contingent administrative and agent work with Michigan Farm Bureau, Ypsilanti, as well as some work with the Security Team of Comerica Ball Park, Detroit.  And he always made time to “give back.” He volunteered for a Boston Terrier Rescue program as well as fostered pups for new pet families; he was a mentor for his local Youth Program in Ypsilanti; he was a Docent at the Detroit Zoo Association, in Royal Oak and at DZS Belle Island Nature Center; and he volunteered with the local Audubon Society Great Lakes collecting data for conservation of birds. He also spent many years in volunteering time for the “River Rats” T-Ball team, with his dear friends, Marty and Carlos Lozano. Pre-Covid, he volunteered with Ypsilanti Meals on Wheels program. He currently was an active volunteer at SASHA Animal Farm in Manchester and was also “gearing up” to become a volunteer with The Steam Railroading Institute, Owosso.

Tony loved college basketball and hockey as well as NASCAR or any form of car/truck racing. He loved watching Little League baseball. Bridge was a passion. Music was playing from the time he got up until bedtime. He managed to get in few games of Sudoku every evening. He enjoyed walking the dogs and riding his electric bike.  And, in recent years, he acquired a love of baking. He would spend endless time researching and trying new baking recipes. He took many baking classes at Zingerman’s Bakehouse in Ann Arbor. He was endlessly sending pictures to his sisters to share the new achievement or seeking guidance in the “how to,” and he gladly distributed his creations to the neighbors.

Finally, as many know, he was CRAZY about his beloved dogs. Each received individualized attention and affection.  He made sure that they had the best food and toys. The downside was he wasn’t a good disciplinarian -- he let them run the show and they knew it!

Family and friends may visit the Schrader-Howell Funeral Home, 280 South Main Street, Plymouth, Michigan on Tuesday, July 25, 2023 from 10:00 A.M. until the time of the funeral service at 12:00 P.M.

A Funeral Luncheon for family and friends will be held at Cantoro’s Italian Market, 15550 North Haggerty Road, Plymouth, Michigan from 1:00 P.M. to 3:00 P.M.

For those planning an expression of sympathy and wish to honor the memory of Tony Curmi, you are invited to consider a contribution to SASHA Farm, Inc., 17901 Mahrle Road, Manchester, Michigan 48158 or The Detroit Zoological Society, 8450 West Ten Mile Road, Royal Oak, Michigan 48067.

Contribution envelopes will be available at the Funeral Home.