HAVERHILL - John J. Curtin, Jr., 75, of Haverhill, MA passed away peacefully on July 18, 2019 at the High Pointe House in Haverhill.

He was the beloved husband of Nancy (Nowicki) Curtin. John was born on February 29, 1944 in Haverhill to the late John J. Curtin Sr. and Elizabeth (Jurgel) Curtin. John attended Sacred Hearts School in Bradford, graduated from the Haverhill Trade School in 1963 and then attended Bunker Hill Community College. He enlisted in the Marine Corps. in 1965 and completed his Reserve Obligation in 1971. John then enlisted with the Massachusetts State Police 52nd Training Class on September 16, 1968. He had assignments in Troop "C" Leominster, Troop "A" Topsfield, Salisbury Beach, and in the Diversion Investigation Drug Unit. John was passionate about his position as a Trooper and was known for his strength and persistence. He loved helping people and felt very strongly about the conservation of land and the preservation of our drinking water which led him to the field of politics as a City Councilor for ten years in the City of Haverhill.

John's passion in life was spending time at his camp in Effingham, NH with his family and friends. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, barbecues, putting on his entertaining display of fireworks in the fields, and mowing the meadow at his camp. He was most happy when sharing his hobbies with his two grandsons, teaching them all the wonders of the outdoors. We will never forget his adventurous stories that he told about his brave, strong, fearless life that included many of his lifelong friends. He always had a story to tell.

He is fondly remembered as "The Legend", "The Man with Nine Lives" and for his keen sense of humor. Despite his tough exterior, John was always willing to help others. He raised his family with the emphasis of honesty and respect, and to always be accepting of the differences of others.

When asked what he was most proud of John would say his two daughters. He will be missed by all who knew and loved him.

His surviving family members include his loving wife Nancy; daughters Carolyn Curtin of Haverhill and Susan Edic of Amesbury; cherished grandsons Dillon and Luke Edic of Amesbury; sisters Betty Marino of Haverhill, Pat Vivenzio and husband Kenny of Seabrook, NH and Sharon Cyr of Haverhill; sister in-laws Jane Williams and husband Jay of Haverhill and Venise Curtin of Haverhill; several nieces and nephews. John was predeceased by his brother David Curtin.

Visiting hours will be Monday, July 22, in the Driscoll Funeral Home 309 So. Main Street, Haverhill from 4:00 to 7:00 PM. Services will begin Tuesday morning in the funeral home at 9:00 AM. Funeral Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in Sacred Hearts Church, 165 So. Main Street, Haverhill at 10:00 AM. Burial with Marine Corps. Honors will follow in the Lithuanian Cemetery, Montvale Street, Haverhill. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in John's memory to Opportunity Works, 10 Opportunity Way, Newburyport, MA 01950. For guestbook, visit www.driscollcares.com