H. Richard Curfman                      “State Game Protector”

COUDERSPORT, PA—H. Richard “Dick” Curfman, 94, a longtime resident of Coudersport, passed away on Wednesday, February 7, 2024, in Sweden Valley Manor, Coudersport.

Born on Tuesday, October 22, 1929 in McConnellstown, Huntingdon County, PA, he was a son of Homer O. and Helen E. Lang Curfman.  On September 1, 1962 he was united in marriage to Betty A. Homolash, who survives.

He lived his earlier years in the Huntingdon, PA area and had resided in Coudersport since 1960.

Dick attended Walker Township Elementary School in McConnellstown and was a 1947 graduate of Huntingdon High School. 

Dick was a US Army veteran having served from 1950 to 1952 in Korea.  His military service (1948 – 1957) included him being a member of the PA National Guard Unit based in Huntingdon, both prior to and following his service in Korea.

In the 1940’s he worked on farms in the Woodcock Valley area, was employed by Weis Market and also by Laney’s Feed Mill, both in Huntingdon.  During the 1950’s he was employed by Owens Corning Fiberglass Corporation in Huntingdon and also owned and operated a trucking (coal) business and lawn mower repair shop from his home in McConnellstown.

Finishing first in his class, Dick was a 1960 graduate of Ross Leffler School of Conservation in Brockway.  Following graduation, he was employed by the PA Game Commission as District Game Protector stationed in Coudersport.  He also served as a US Deputy Game Warden until his Pennsylvania Game Commission retirement.  During the time (1960-1992) he intermittently served as North Central Region Land Management Supervisor, Potter-Tioga Unit Supervisor as well as with the PGC Special Investigation Unit during the 1960’s and 1970’s.  Following PGC retirement, Dick was employed by Johnson Excavating in Roulette for several summers.

Among the many awards that Dick received while employed are the Shikar SaFari Award, the Fish and Wildlife Law Enforcement Award presented by the Northeast Law Enforcement Chief’s Association, PGC Wildlife Conservation Award, PGC Outstanding Employee Award, PGC Wildlife Officer of the Year Award, PA Fish Commission Award, and the Potter County Conservation District Awards: Conservation Education Award and the Service Award for Outstanding Service to Potter County Agriculture.

Following retirement he was appointed to and served as a member of the Board of Directors to the PA Lumber Museum, the Potter County Planning Commission, and the Potter County Conservation District for several years.

Dick was a member of Trinity Reformed United Church of Christ in McConnellstown since 1945.  He was accorded life memberships by the Black Forest Conservation Association and the Potter County Anglers, both of Coudersport.  He was a life member of the Standing Stone Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1754 and a former (50+ year) member of the Frank P. Hommon American Legion Post 24, both of Huntingdon.

His Masonic ties began in 1960 when he became a member of Eulalia Lodge #342 F & AM in Coudersport and a member of the Coudersport Consistory.  He was a past member of Royal Arch Chapter #263 and Potter Commandery #69, both of Coudersport.

He was an avid hunter, trapper and outdoorsman.  His love of competition began at the early age of 10, pitching horseshoes with his elders.  It continued and he felt team and individual sports as well as his chosen occupation with PA Game Commission each afforded it.  From the mid 1940’s through the 1950’s he played baseball in the Huntingdon City and County Leagues as well as for the McConnellstown and Fiberglass Independent Teams.

Dick repeatedly claimed his family was the most important aspect of his life and cherished any time spent with them.  Dick’s children and grandchildren’s love of the outdoors and sports was impressive and he enjoyed watching them participate.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife of 61 years; a son, Richard B. Curfman of Roulette; a daughter, Karen A. (Jerry) Johnson of Roulette; two granddaughters, Stacey A. (Craig) Kinney and Shannon M. Curfman, both of Roulette; three great-grandchildren, Karli A., Camrin K. and Mack M. Kinney; a niece, Deborah (Tom) King of Hesston, PA; a cousin, Kay (Lang) Deihl of Alexandria, PA; and several second cousins, grandnieces, and grandnephews.

In addition to his parents, Dick was predeceased by a sister, Velma J. Peoples.

To pay respects to Dick and his family, calling hours will be held from 1 pm to 4 pm on Sunday, February 11, 2024, and from 10 am to 11 am on Monday, February 12, 2024 at the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home, 118 South Union Street, Shinglehouse, where funeral services will follow at 11 am with Pastor Fred Kemp of Potter County Baptist Church, officiating.

Members of Eulalia Lodge #148 F & AM will conduct a Masonic service at 3:30 pm on Sunday in the funeral home.

Members of the Potter County Honor Guard will accord military honors on Monday at the funeral home.

Family and friends are invited to attend graveside burial services at noon on Tuesday, February 13, 2024, in Huntingdon Memorial Gardens, Huntingdon, PA. Pastor Jack Russell of Trinity Reformed United Church of Christ, will officiate.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in Dick’s memory should be directed to Trinity Reformed United Church of Christ, 12006 Station Road, McConnellstown, PA 16660 or to the Roulette Fire Department, PO Box 172, Roulette, PA 16746.

Dick’s family has entrusted his care to Kevin J. Dusenbury, funeral director/owner of the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home, Shinglehouse.

To express condolences, light a candle or share a fond memory of Dick, please visit www.virgillhowardfuneralhome.com or the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Facebook page.