Richard Sean Curley

Richard S. Curley, 64, of Shirley, MA, passed away on March 18, 2025, at home in the arms of his wife and daughter, after a courageous nine-month battle with cancer.

Born in Concord, MA, on February 15, 1961, he was the son of the late Edmund Curley and Louise (Harnois) Curley. Rick grew up in Littleton, MA, and graduated from Littleton High School, Class of 1979. After high school, he proudly served in the United States Air Force for four years.

Following his military service, Rick explored his culinary interests at Chez Claude Restaurant in Acton and the Wayside Inn in Sudbury for a few years. Then, following in his father's footsteps, Rick worked as a Corrections Officer at the Middlesex County House of Correction in Billerica for 35 years. Like his father, he was known as a “good guy for the bad guys”, treating every individual with dignity and respect. From Thanksgiving morning celebrations across the road, to caring for Midnight the cat, to his escort home from the hospital to be with his family during his final days, Rick’s brothers and sisters in blue were truly an extension of his family.

While raising his two daughters in Westford, MA, Rick shared his love for martial arts with them. As the owner of Masters of Karate, he mentored countless students, helping them develop character and self-confidence. For many years, going to the dojo each night brought Rick both relaxation and fulfillment.

An avid marksman, Rick had a passion for collecting guns and enjoyed sharing this hobby with family and friends at the range. He also had a diverse collection that went beyond firearms—always saying that a zombie apocalypse would never stand a chance against his extensive assortment of knives, swords, flamethrowers, crossbows, and firearms.

Rick is survived by his soulmate and loving wife, Laurie Costa-Curley; his two daughters, Nikki Curley of Worcester, MA, and Elisha Campbell of Danbury, NH; stepson Kyle Bradley of Shirley, MA, who has never seen Rick as less than his only true dad; brother Brian Curley and his partner Chris Flynn of Wells, ME; sister Suzanne Curley of Portsmouth, NH; grandchildren including Braidyn and Caelynn Campbell; as well as beloved in-laws (who refer to him as King Richard), nieces, nephews, and grandnephews. He is predeceased by his sister Maria Curley of Waipahu, HI.

Family and friends will gather for calling hours on Wednesday, March 26 from 3:00 - 7:00 p.m. in the Badger Funeral Home, 347 King St., Littleton, MA. His celebration of life will take place on Thursday, March 27 at 11:00 am in the Badger Funeral Home, followed by military and sheriff's office honors and end of watch at Westlawn Cemetery, Littleton.

For those who wish to attend services remotely, please follow the link copied below five minutes prior to the scheduled service time:

Live-stream Link: https://iframe.dacast.com/b/156599/c/541147

In lieu of flowers, Rick requested that donations in his name be made to the Greg Hill Foundation: https://www.thegreghillfoundation.org/.

Arrangements under the care of the Badger Funeral Home, 347 King St., Littleton, Massachusetts.