Andover - Andover - Joseph "Jay" Daniel Curley of Andover, MA and formerly of North Andover, MA and Wellesley, MA, passed away on Wednesday, June 26, 2024.

Loving husband to the late Liz Zeller Curley and son of Joseph D. Curley and Grace S. Curley, Jay was raised in Riverside, CT, where he graduated from the Brunswick School in Greenwich, CT, leading his peers as the class president and all-around varsity athlete.

Jay earned his bachelor's degree at the University of Notre Dame and subsequently served as a Lieutenant in the U.S. Navy on the USS Glennon, which allowed him to travel much of the world. In 1957, he launched his career as an investment advisor at Merrill Lynch in Boston. Jay was successful in his new field, but, more importantly, it was in Boston that he met and started a more than 50 year love affair with Liz. They married in 1961, raised four children and made lifelong friends wherever they lived and traveled.

Always seeking to assist his community, in 1993 Jay co-founded the Andover branch office of Merrill Lynch, guiding and growing his many clients' resources, and partnering with them to realize their financial plans and dreams. He retired after a successful career spanning four decades.

Jay was an active member of Christ Church in Andover, serving as a vestry member, head usher and chair of the church's investment committee. His deep concern for others was shown on a more informal basis when he visited parishioners unable to get to church, organized youth activities, and participated in cross-faith dialogues between the church and a local synagogue in order to build connection and deeper understanding. He also was a past member of the Andover Rotary Club and the Andover Country Club.

Jay was a lifelong athlete and sports fan. An avid tennis player and long-time member of the Longwood Cricket Club in Chestnut Hill, MA, Jay founded the Wellesley Tennis Association while living in that community. One of the early adopters of pickleball, he also took up golf later in life and enjoyed time with friends and family on courses in New England and Florida. When he wasn't playing a sport, he coached his childrens' youth soccer and basketball teams and later cheered passionately on the sidelines of his grandchildrens' games.

Jay's greatest joy throughout his life was his loving family and they will forever carry with them his example of how to live a full life. His grandchildren know that their grandfather lit up at the thought of them, let alone the sight and hugs from them. His children will continue to rely on his counsel and humor to guide them forward. Jay is survived by his grateful children, Grace Curley (the late John Bianco), Jeff Curley (Siswati), Suzanne Curley, and Lindsey Curley Melville (Carlos), his adoring grandchildren, Maeve, Rowan, Reza, Daniel, Claire, Alexander, Christopher and his sister Rita Canning. His beloved wife, Liz, and sister, Claire Cornell predeceased him.

A private burial ceremony was held on June 29, followed by a family celebration of his favorite things including competing at pickle ball, corn hole and charades, eating grilled sliders and lighting up sparklers.

If you are inclined, please consider making a gift in Jay's honor to the Alzheimer's Association at https://www.alz.org/manh.

A celebration of life for Jay will be held at Christ Church in Andover on Saturday, October 26, 2024, at 3 p.m. We will honor his faith, appreciate his goodness, likely get a bit emotional and definitely will dance.