Robert Joseph Curiel

Robert Joseph Curiel passed away on November 30, 2016. He was born in Los Angeles, California on January 26, 1924. Bob met the love of his life, Louise, in 1942 while stationed at Fort Lewis during World War II. The two corresponded daily during and after the war and married in 1950. As newlyweds, the couple lived in Los Angeles where Louise taught school and Bob studied at the University of Southern California. They relocated to Tacoma in 1952 after the birth of their first child, Peter. Bobs love for Louise always came first. Over the years, Louise jokingly referred to Bob as her SOB, for Sweet Old Bob. Louise and Bob celebrated their 65th Anniversary in 2015. Earlier this year, Louise preceded Bob in death. They are now together forever. Bob worked long and difficult hours to help support his family and make it possible for all his children to graduate from college. Bob spent most of his working career at the Federal Meat Company, the family business. He also worked weekends at South End Meats, one of the retail outlets for the business. Always equipped with a smile, Bob was in his element there conversing with the hundreds of shoppers, many of whom became close friends. Later in life, Bob worked at the Tacoma Denture Clinic where he applied skills from his pre-college days. Bob cherished any time that he could spend with his children and grandchildren right until his death. Along with his wife, he was especially devoted to their disabled daughter, Annie, caring for her at home for most of Annies short life before she passed away at age 17. Their nightly bedtime ritual of songs brought great delight to Annie as well as the rest of the family. Bob introduced his oldest son, Peter, to the meat business, helping him establish his first career in this field at a young age. The two also reveled in viewing football games together, enthusiastically rooting for their teams, often on the edge of their chairs. In the last year, they shared many gourmet meals at Franke Tobey Jones, Bobs assisted living facility. Bob passed on his love of fishing to both Peter and his youngest son, Joe. They shared many adventures on or off shore at Point Defiance. Even more thrilling were their masterful tales about the one that got away. Bob was a gardener at heart and always talked about how much he loved watching things grow. Bob spent many seasons in the local pea patch raising a variety of vegetables. His crops won blue ribbons at the Puyallup Fair. One of Bobs favorite pleasures was taking the ferry to visit Joe and his spouse Tony on their 11 acre property, Monument Farm and Vineyard, on Vashon Island. These trips fed his gardeners soul as he was truly in his element surrounded by all the vegetables, fruit trees, and grape vines. As recently as late September, Bob participated in the annual pinot noir harvest. Being the most senior picker of the volunteer crew, Bob had the honor of cutting the first clusters of grapes on harvest day. Bob spent many hours in the company of his daughter, Mary, doing projects at home, running errands to the local shops and enjoying the salads and other offerings at their favorite buffet restaurant. The local classical music station was the backdrop for all of their activities together. Bobs passion for classical music united them. Mary, along with her brother Joe, Marys children Anna and Chris, and Peters daughter Roberta became inspired to play different instruments. They continue to practice and perform today. It seems only fitting that Marys upcoming season with a local community orchestra (LUCO) will include a performance of Bobs favorite piece, Beethovens 7th Symphony. More than anything, Bob modeled the importance of kindness and openness to others. His brilliant smile conveyed a genuine warmth that he always freely shared with anyone around him. In the eyes of his family, Bob achieved the greatest success possible in life, as he was beloved by all who were fortunate to know him. Bob will be dearly missed by his son Peter of Tacoma, his son Joseph and his spouse Anthony Raugust of Vashon Island, and his daughter Mary and her spouse Patrick Dailey of Seattle. Bob is also survived by his granddaughter Roberta Shimomura and her spouse Brad Shimomura of Salem, OR, granddaughter Anna Dailey of Chicago, grandson Christopher Dailey of Seattle, and his three great-grandchildren Zane, Oliver, and Adelisa Shimomura. In addition to his wife, Louise, Bob was preceded in death by his daughter in law, Elisa Tibung Curiel. A reception to celebrate the lives of both Bob and Louise will occur on Monday, December 19th at 3:30 PM at the Wellness Center at Franke Tobey Jones in north Tacoma. In lieu of flowers, please send gifts to Franke Tobey Jones, to LUCO (Lake Union Civic Orchestra), or to a college of your choice.