John Patrick Curran

John P. Curran, M.D. Our much-loved father, stepfather, grandfather, brother, and 6'7" gentle giant, age 91, passed away peacefully on June 7, 2026. John filled every room he entered, not only with his remarkable stature, but with his compassionate nature, wit, and quiet strength. A proud St. Paul West Sider, graduate of Cretin High School (St. Paul, MN), St. Mary's College (Winona, MN) and the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Columbia University (New York, NY), he built a life defined by intellect, life-long learning, and admiration and love for his family. John was a devoted husband to his late wife Kitty, whom he continued to honor and carry in his heart. He was a loving father to Elizabeth, Pamela, Susan, Debra (Todd), Roger (Jody), Courtney, and "adopted" daughter Sarah, and a proud grandfather to Jack, Charlie, Lucy, Billy, Giovanni, and Xóchitl (so-cheel). He is also survived by his dear siblings Jim, Tom and Katherine. He was preceded in death by his very proud Irish Catholic parents, Robert Emmet "Red" and Madeline "Mad" Curran, and treasured sister Anne. He is also survived by Gloria, mother of his four daughters from his first marriage, whom he deeply respected for her role in raising them. John loved the Wall Street Journal, anything cherry, and all things trains, often locating locally abandoned railroad lines to drive to and explore. Other loves included trips each fall to his favorite apple orchards to perfect his apple butter recipe, visiting random construction sites intrigued by massive machinery, pizza, and the desire to distill 55+ years of psychiatric practice and the human condition into words. A soon to be thrice published author, John was a passionate writer whose books reflected a searching, thoughtful mind. Among John's greatest treasures were the lifelong friendships he forged during his college years in Winona. His dearest friends Dick, Larry and wife Letha, and Hugh were companions of the truest kind to the day he died. In his final chapter, John loved his home at Jones Harrison, where he never felt alone and continued to write. Our family owes immeasurable gratitude to Sarah whose unwavering dedication and daily visits brought him deep joy and comfort (including filling his bird feeders!). No words can express how truly grateful we are for her presence in his life and now ours. We are also especially grateful to Solomon whose loving care and extraordinary kindness made John feel safe and comfortable and who was a true friend to him. Our family will never forget you. John leaves behind a legacy of quiet dignity, a genuine belief in the brotherhood of mankind, and mostly of the lives he touched simply by being himself. He repeatedly recited, "And crown thy good with brotherhood from sea to shining sea!" We love you Dad/Big John, and we carry your quiet presence, words of wisdom, and guidance with us forever! Visitation at 10:00am with funeral service at 11:00am, Thursday, June 18, 2026, Calvary Lutheran Church (7520 Golden Valley Rd, Golden Valley, MN 55427). Private interment to follow at Resurrection Cemetery in Mendota Heights. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests to plant a tree in John's memory at www.alivingtribute.org or make a donation to Community of Saints at www.communityofsaints.org, one of Johns's cherished charities serving students Pre-K-8th Grade.

John Patrick Curran

March 15, 1935 - June 7, 2026

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