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In Memory of Our Founder, Jerry Curley
 A
man of strength, intelligence, humanity, wit and service
Gerard Joseph Curley, of St. Petersburg,
Florida, died April 19, 2012 at the age of 78. Jerry Curley
lived life to the fullest and met life’s challenges with
strength and integrity. He is most loved for his wit and
humor, his generosity to his family and community, and his
intelligence and drive.
Born in St. Louis, Missouri, of humble means, he and his
sisters were raised by loving aunts. Developing an
unparalleled work ethic, Jerry worked hard at every endeavor
- including putting himself through college and graduating
with honors from Washington University in St. Louis. A man
of grand thought and unwavering belief in self, he helped
the poor and developed cultural, civic and business
establishments. He serviced his community with vision,
earnestness of purpose, honesty, integrity and fearless
commitment. He believed in the adage, “Ask not what your
country can do for you but ask what you can do …” A gifted
storyteller, Jerry’s humor was contagious. Blessed with
intelligence, knowledge, and independent thinking, he was
his own man, making business decisions that benefited our
community.
He relocated here from St. Louis in 1960, taking a position
as Assistant Director of the United Way of Florida. Serving
the organization for seven years, he ultimately became the
Executive Director. Holding positions on many boards and
organizations, he served most recently for Tampa Bay
Research Institute where he was Treasurer and Board member,
and at the Pinellas Marine Institute as Treasurer and
President. For the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, he worked
tirelessly for the poor and needy and happily did everything
from home visits to spearheading the creation of “A Center
of Hope,” a food pantry and homeless shelter. He assisted in
the development of PARC and homes for at-risk young woman.
Additionally, Jerry served as an advisor to the National
Board of Trustees of the National Conference of Christians
and Jews, and locally as the Chairman of the National
Conference of Christians and Jews. In the St. Petersburg
community, he served the Pinellas Housing Authority, Florida
Gulf Coast Symphony, Florida Council on Aging, Airport
Zoning Commission, Utility Advisory Committee, Zoning Board
of the City of St. Petersburg, and the Florida Bar Grievance
and Fee Arbitration Committees.
As a businessman, Jerry was proud of United Capital Funding,
Inc. Founded by him in 1997, United and its beloved and
wonderful staff and employees are legacies to his success.
Other professional accomplishments include the creation of
Investors Services, Inc., which developed projects that
benefited the community, including John Knox Apartments, the
Plaza and the Columbia residence. He served on the board of
many banks, was a founding Director of First Central Bank of
St. Petersburg, and also was a developer/part owner of
Lighthouse Point Marina.
Beyond employment and charitable service, Jerry loved
traveling and collecting funny stories of his adventures. A
Houdini at heart, he shared magic tricks with children in
schools, in churches and at family gatherings. His love for
animals and nature is well known. He was a one of a kind man
who touched the lives of many and made this world a better
place. A kind word, a joke and a story were his trademarks.
Creative and intelligent, he was a man who could make big
things happen. Jerry is survived by Jewel, his wife and soul
mate for 59 years, his cherished children Debra, Laura
Barry, Joseph and Gregory, his 13 grandchildren, and his
faithful and beloved dog, Oscar. Jerry’s legacy of love,
laughter, wit and service will live on in our hearts and in
this community.
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