Titusville says Goodbye to a cherished community member, Dr. Phillip Lee Curry, who passed away on October 17, 2023, in Orlando, FL, following a brief illness. He was 78.

Renowned as a compassionate veterinarian and a devoted family man, Dr. Curry’s life story is an inspiring narrative of education, service, and love.

Born on September 2, 1945, in Bloomington, Illinois, Dr. Curry grew up near Pittsburgh, PA, where he developed lifelong affections for sports, particularly football and baseball. His early adulthood was characterized by a profound sense of duty and patriotism, serving in the U.S. Army from 1967 to 1970, including a tour in Vietnam. After an honorable discharge, he embarked on an academic journey, culminating in a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from the University of Illinois in 1976.

Dr. Curry began his illustrious veterinary career in Louisville, KY, before moving to Illinois and eventually settling in Central Florida in 1997. His veterinary prowess was revered, culminating in a Best Veterinarian of Titusville award in 2013, courtesy of his seven-year dedication to the SPCA of North Brevard. His surgical acumen, spanning soft tissue to orthopedics, was nothing short of remarkable.

In 2014, Dr. Curry realized a dream by inaugurating his fourth and final veterinary practice on Florida’s east coast, continuing his mission of caring for Titusville’s cherished pets. His legacy in veterinary medicine lives on through his daughter Catherine, who followed in her father’s professional footsteps in 2017.

Dr. Curry’s love for animals was boundless, extending to a multitude of personal pets over his lifetime. His indelible mark on the community, his unwavering kindness, and devotion to family and animals will be profoundly missed.

Community members have expressed their heartfelt condolences and shared fond memories of Dr. Curry. Ellen Brouillard recalled the kindness Dr. Curry extended to her cats at the Animal Care Clinic. “His gentle caring meant so much and he will be sorely missed,” she said. Erin Hoelscher praised Dr. Curry’s calming presence, stating, “Dr. Curry was the most relaxed, peaceful vet around! My kitty was always at ease with him. He is missed already….” Amy Gray reminisced about Dr. Curry’s unwavering support during tough times, saying, “He helped us through so many rough moments when we had to say ‘goodbye’ to our elderly pets. Such a sweet man and a beautiful soul.”

Dr. Curry’s passing leaves a significant void, but his enduring legacy of compassion, community service, and love for animals continues to resonate through the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing him.

A celebration of Dr. Curry’s life is scheduled for October 25, from 4pm – 6pm at DeGusipe Funeral Home in Maitland, FL. A subsequent burial service will be held at Cape Canaveral National Cemetery in early November, with a date yet to be determined.

Public visitation and reception details: Date: October 25 Time: 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM (ET) Location: DeGusipe Funeral Home & Crematory, 9001 N. Orlando Avenue, Maitland, FL 32751 Facebook: DeGusipe Funeral Home