Franklin Edward Curran

Springfield, Vt. — Franklin Edward Curran passed away on Tuesday, Dec. 5, 2017, at his Springfield home in the presence of his family. He was born Feb. 26, 1929, in Northampton, Mass., the son of William and Margaret Curran. There he grew up helping in his father’s grocery store, graduated from Northampton High and studied electronics at AIC in Springfield, Mass. He met the love of his life at a Smith College function and married Nancy Scrimgeour in December 1950. He joined the Air Force and was stationed in Biloxi, Miss., where he taught electronics. The first four of his seven children were born in Biloxi and when discharged, he and Nancy made their way back to Chelmsford, Mass. From there he went to work for Bell Labs in New Jersey where he designed circuits, one of which helped guide Telstar. His children can remember watching the night sky to see the satellite that Daddy helped make go. After three more children were born, Frank transferred to Allentown, Pa., and from there to Amherst, Mass., where he continued his work with thin film circuitry eventually developing and refining laser techniques.

While in Amherst, keeping horses became a family hobby. He and Nancy took the Draft Horse Class at North Adams State College, and from their teacher, they acquired their first Percheron, Billie Jean. Upon retiring to their farm in Springfield, they were able to raise and work many more horses.

He was predeceased by his darling wife Nancy, his brothers William and Robert, his sister Margaret, his sons Joseph and J. Timothy, his daughter Mary Ann and his grandson Jacob.

He is survived by his sons Michael and wife Barbara, Peter and wife Sandy, his daughters Susan and husband Peter Korbet, and Amy and husband Bruce Caldwell.

He is also survived by his grandsons, James, Frank, Joseph; his granddaughters, Sarah, Karen, Martha, Elysia, Grace, Matilda, Georgia, and their spouses; his step-family, Christopher, Kate, Ryan, Dylan, Christina, Laura, Peter, and Ella; as well as his great-grandchildren Meredith, Eleanor, Landyn, Lilianna, Jack, Fern, Ida, Will, Ava, James, Kyden and Enid, who renewed his joy towards the end of his life.

At Papa’s request there will be no services. Donations in his memory may be made to a Veteran’s Organization of your choosing.

Davis Memorial Chapel in Springfield is assisting with arrangements.