Obituary of Donald Curtis

Surrounded by family and loved ones, Donald Scott Curtis, age 51, passed away on January 5, 2015 at the Mount Nittany Medical Center in State College, Pennsylvania. The son of Dr. Donald F. Curtis and the late Lovell "Lonnie" Davis Curtis, he was born on March 18, 1963 in Bellefonte, Pennsylvania. He is survived by his father, Dr. Donald F. Curtis, one brother, Dr. David R. Curtis, sister in law Lisa Curtis, nieces Ashley Sausman, Sarah Sausman, Emily Sausman, Lindsey Sausman, all of State College, Pennsylvania, cousins Laurie Thibault and Wendy Huntsman of State College, Pennsylvania, his fiancé, Susan Sutherland of State College, Pennsylvania and his beloved cat, "Annie". He was a 1981 graduate of State College Area High School, and really loved the time he spent in the Marching Band. He attended Penn State University, studying in the hotel and restaurant program. On January 23, 1991 he received a Bachelor's degree in Electronic Engineering from the Southern University of New York-Albany. In 1997 he started his own business, Curtis Lock, which he owned and operated until the time of his death. Don was a member of the State College Presbyterian Church, The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, The American Locksmith Association, State College Ham Radio Club and a former EMT. He was also a proud member of The Boy Scouts of America receiving the highest rank of Eagle Scout. He was a student of aviation and worked at College Park Avionics in Maryland to learn more about aviation and radios. He was a lifelong student of electronics and radio communications, science, medicine, law, world history and mechanics. Don was extremely talented at self learning, and applied his dedicated work ethic to teach himself about these subjects. He had an idyllic memory, and could quote dates in history from WW2 or the 1960's, his favorite time periods. Dons' skill at locksmithing was unmatched. He began at age 14, and he has worked ever since. If a tool wasn't available, he would make one. There was no lock that he wasn't familiar with, and he was an expert at making a custom solution to a complex problem. After earning his EMT certificate, he worked at Penn State football games as a medic. He wanted to learn more, and next became certified to draw blood while working for Sera Tec plasma lab. He also applied these skills towards his kindness to animals. He was actively involved in animal rescue, adoption and trained himself in field veterinary care. Don was resourcefully inventive in electronics and radio communications; he could build a radio out of almost anything, and maintained a full electronics shop in his home. He enjoyed being able to hear radio calls, and if a neighbor was in need, he would apply his EMT skills to help them. Many times he aided people involved in auto accidents which he came across. Don always stopped to help. He was very patriotic. Don loved to display the flag, celebrating all patriotic holidays and telling people about historic events. Don was a precinct chairman for the Republican Party, he attended numerous political and patriotic events, including several presidential inaugurations. Don made countless friends through animal care, locksmithing, research at the Law Library, Sera Tec lab, EMT work, Toftrees Hotel, the Nittany Lion Inn, and of course interactions with many service professionals in the area. He really got to know people, and would remember every detail he learned about them. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him. We would like to sincerely thank all the family and friends who have been so supportive and kind to Don throughout his illness; it has truly made a difference. Funeral arrangements will be handled by the Koch Funeral Home in State College, Pennsylvania with entombment in the chapel at Centre County Memorial Park. Visitation will be at Koch Funeral Home on Sunday, January 11, 2015 from 5 to 7 PM., with a funeral service at the State College Presbyterian Church on Monday, January 12, 2015 at 10 AM. Memorial contributions may be made to Centre Wildlife Care, P.O. Box 572, Lemont, Pa, 16851 and Fonda's Foundlings at 1956 Norwood Lane, State College, Pennsylvania, 16803.