Born on October 11, 1936, in Chicago, Illinois, Jack lived a life filled with adventure, service, curiosity, and deep devotion to family and friends.
On May 6, 1994, Jack married Evelyn M. Curtin (née Raidl) in Vienna, Austria. Together, they built a life in Vienna, sharing a love of travel, the outdoors, and the rich cultural life of his adopted home.
Jack was a devoted father to John E. Curtin III (Bonnie), Christopher C. Curtin (Julie Seibert), Lisa A. Denison, and Oliver A. Vogl. He was a proud grandfather to Ashley B. Curtin, Carly Green (Chance); Rory Curtin (Kasey), Maille Denison, and a cherished great-grandfather to Austin Green. His family was his greatest source of pride and joy.
He is survived by his siblings: Suzanne Ford (Edward); Thomas M. Curtin (Judi); Dennis J. Curtin (Pamela); and Cynthia Tomczyk (née Curtin) (John), and many nieces and nephews. Jack was predeceased by his parents, John Patrick Curtin and Isabelle Curtin (née Lowery).
Jack graduated from Loyola Academy, Class of 1954, and attended the University of Illinois. He proudly served in the U.S. Air Force Reserve with the 640th Hospital from 1959 to 1965, reflecting his lifelong sense of responsibility and commitment.
He retired after 34 years with Ideal Roller & Manufacturing Company (Rotodyne), where he was respected for his integrity, dedication, and strong work ethic.
An avid outdoorsman, Jack loved the mountains—whether skiing, camping, or climbing. He was a longtime member of the Chicago Mountaineering Club and held various leadership roles, including serving as President. After moving to Austria, he continued his mountain pursuits and, for ten years, led the English-speaking group of the Austrian Alpine Club, sharing his enthusiasm and experience with fellow adventurers while exploring the beauty of the Austrian Alps.
Jack was also a passionate photographer who found joy in capturing landscapes, family moments, and the natural beauty that surrounded him.
A lifelong love of aviation was central to Jack’s adventurous spirit. He earned his private pilot certificate in 1958, beginning a passion for flight that would remain with him throughout his life. He especially treasured his 1960 Piper Comanche “59P.” After a 25-year hiatus from flying, Jack returned to the cockpit and fulfilled a lifelong dream by obtaining his seaplane rating. He enjoyed attending the annual EAA AirVenture Oshkosh fly-in whenever possible, celebrating the camaraderie and innovation of the aviation community.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on April 25, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at Saint Patrick’s Catholic Church, 32 N. Jones St., Amboy, Illinois, with interment to follow at Saint Patrick Cemetery, 818 Rockyford Rd., Amboy.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Jack’s honor to the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) Foundation:
https://www.eaa.org/foundation/giving-opportunities
Jack will be remembered for his adventurous heart, quiet strength, leadership, generosity, and unwavering love for his family. His legacy lives on in the mountains he climbed, the skies he flew, and the many lives he touched.
