For nearly thirty years, Dick Curran was the friendly face behind the counter at what old-timers call ‘The Spa’ (now Mauro’s Cafe). On Friday Mr. Curran died at the age of 82 after a long illness, and with his passing Southborough has lost another of its treasures.
Mr. Curran was born in Framingham, and after enlisting in the Navy and serving in the Korean War, he returned and purchased The Southborough News and Coffee Shop from his uncle and aunt. That was the early 1960’s, and Mr. Curran served as The Spa’s proprietor until his retirement in 1986.
He was an active member of St. Anne Church in Southborough. He also served on the Board of Southborough Senior Center, was a past president of the Southborough Rotary Club, volunteered at the local schools and was a member of the Knights of Columbus, Phil Sheridan Council.
He leaves behind his wife of 50 years, Eileen, and his daughters Margaret, Mary, and Clare, along with beloved grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
Visiting hours will be he held on Monday, January 30, from 4:00 to 7:00 pm at Morris Funeral Home (40 Main Street. Southborough). The funeral will be held on Tuesday, January 31, at 10:00 am at St. Anne Church (20 Boston Rd, Southborough). Burial will follow in the Southborough Rural Cemetery.
I grew up next door to the Currans, so I know first-hand what a wonderful family they are and just how much Dick meant to them. My heartfelt condolences go out to all who knew and loved him. Mr. Curran left an imprint on so many of us growing up in the 60’s, 70’s and 80’s. I’ll share my memories in an upcoming post. I invite you to share yours in the comments below.
Mr. Curran’s full obituary can be found here.
Dick was loved by many and will be sorely missed. My most sincere condolences to Eileen and family.
Anyone who ever went into the Spa knew Dick Curran. He was a man with a heart of gold and was always so good to all the kids in the town. I will never forget this man, May God Bless him and his family!
My condolences to the family during this difficult time. I will always fondly remember my visits to the Spa where Dick was always present and welcoming.
I will always have fond memories of hanging out at the Spa on Sunday mornings with my Dad. For those that never met Dick, he was the text book definition of a Genuine Nice Guy. You will be missed by many in the fabric of Southborough. My prayers go out to Eileen and family.
It is truly a sad day for Southborough on the passing of Dick Curran. There are so many good stories that long time Southboroughites can share. I remember Dick joining us Veterans on Memorial Day and Veterans Day. He was proud of his service and as a fellow Navy-man – we’d tease each other a little about being swabbies. Our deepest condolences to Eileen and the entire Curran family.
Anchor Aweigh my friend…..Hand Salute………..
Dick was my first boss and boy did he set the bar high! He was more than a boss to all of us. He was the kindest, most genuine man I think I have ever met! He was like a Father figure to all of us who worked for him…..kind, gentle, patient and constant. He was friendly and kind to everyone who encountered him. I moved to California almost 15 years ago and everytime my brother Mark, who works for the town, would see Dick he would ask about me. I worked for Dick over 30 years ago and right up until the early 2000’s, while he was still volunteering at The Spa, he would still ask about me and I always made a point to stop by and see him when I was on the right coast! He was the type of man who left you with a permanent warmth for the rest of your life! I am a much better person to have known him and I truly was a lucky young lady to have had such an incredible role model in my young life! I’m sending my sincere healing blessings to his family and may they find comfort in knowing what an incredible man Dick was and how he touched so many lives!
Our town has lost one of the nicest people any of us will ever know. Dick was like a father figure to many of us, always fair and kind. When my brother was living in Georgia, every time he came home for a visit, he would go to the Spa to say hello to Dick… and Dick always asked me about him and other folks that we knew. Up until he got ill, he never forgot anyone, and always made everyone feel welcome there.
My deepest sympathies to Eileen and the rest of the family.
I first met Dick when I was 13 years old, and for four years I was a regular at the Spa, always welcomed by Dick. Food, frappes, and friendship were his specialties. When I returned to Southborough after six years away, it was like I had never left. Warm, funny, always understanding– Dick was and always will be an important part of my life and a significant figure in the history of Southborough. It was a privilege and pleasure to know him. Thank you, Dick.