Community legend leaves a big legacy
Treasured family man fondly remembered
INGHAM institution Phillip Curro has passed at the age of 89.
Sister Donna Curro of Townsville confirmed on Friday that her beloved brother had died in the palliative care unit at Ingham Hospital on Wednesday.
Born in Gordonvale in 1933, Mr Curro attended Nudgee College and began work in accountancy in Gilbarco, Brisbane, before moving to Ingham to manage Chandlers Electrical store.
“At that same time, he was a well-known bookie who worked at the Townsville Gallops and Trots,” she said.
“Phillip was a dedicated member of Rotary and worked hard to assist members of the community.”
Ms Curro said her brother was an avid golfer who did what many strive for – “he achieved an almost impossible hole in one”.
“He was the kindest of men, always caring for his siblings, buying them pets when they were little, telling them wonderful stories of his life experiences,” she said,
“Dogs, especially German Shepherds, were very special to Phillip, and he enjoyed caring for birds and dogs right up until his death.”
Ms Curro said Phillip loved fishing.
“He and his partner Diane spent many wonderful hours on the Hinchinbrook channel and nearby reefs in their boat.”
She said Mr Curro had a great sense of humour and loved to tell his friends jokes and stories of his life experiences, including the ‘adoption’ of his foster brother Steve, who he found at Etty Bay having ‘jumped ship’ from Sweden as a teenager.
“He simply asked his mother if he could bring Steve home to live with them, and she agreed,” she said. “They were closest of friends until Steve’s death some years ago.”
Ms Curro said Phillip met Diane more than 40 years ago and they immediately became devoted friends.
“Their friendship became deeper and they shared their lives up until his death,” she said.
“Times were not always easy, they weathered many storms, including that devastating placement in a nursing home, which he valiantly protested until he was returned to live with Diane.”
She said Diane provided constant loving care until he passed away.
“Phillip’s lifelong friendship with Sam Russo, and his engagement with other good friends, too numerous to mention, brought him much happiness,” she said.
“He is survived by the person he called ‘ the love of his life’, Diane, his three daughters and six grandchildren.”