Richard "Rick" Cureton's Obituary
Richard J. Cureton passed away unexpectedly on March 7, 2024. Born in New Orleans, LA to Jerald and Grace (nee Whitesell) Cureton, Rick was 73 years old. He was a longtime resident of Riverton, NJ.
Beloved husband of 31 years to Lynne Dougherty Cureton. Loving father of Christopher W. Cureton, Lindsay C. (Mark) Moses, and Brienne Barnes Cureton. Cherished grandfather of Hadley, Sterling, and Cecilia. Brother of Jerald Cureton and Ruth (Rick) Bowser.
At 6’6” and lovingly known to his friends as the “Big Man”, Rick possessed a larger-than-life presence. He was a gifted public speaker who could not resist a microphone and was a natural story teller (occasionally repeating the same stories again and again). Rick generously contributed countless hours to numerous charitable organizations, having a positive impact on many people throughout his lifetime.
Rick attended and graduated (1969) from The Peddie School of Hightstown, NJ. He then went on to receive a bachelor’s degree from Brown University in 1973, where he played basketball, earning the title of team Captain in his senior year. Rick attended Harvard University and was a Teaching Fellow, receiving his master’s degree in architecture from the Graduate School of Design in 1976.
Rick began his professional career as an architect for Continental Bank (Chicago, IL) and continued on with Ballinger (Philadelphia, PA). He joined Whitesell Co. (Delran, NJ) as an architect/developer, where he eventually retired as President. His design legacy is evident throughout the infrastructure of South Jersey.
Rick was a member of Riverton Country Club where he served many years on its Board, including serving as President from 2012-2013.
He was devoted to the Food Bank where he served as Chairman of the Board of Directors for the South Jersey branch. A longtime advocate of the YMCA, he was sole designer of the Burlington County branch building under his independent AIA firm. He also served as President Emeritus for the YMCA of Burlington County’s Board of Directors. Additional professional accolades include: Director of NAIOP, Former Advisor to the Coriell Institute for Medical Research, Guest Lecturer at Drexel and Rutgers Universities, and recipient of the Good Citizen Award (2005) from the Boy Scouts of America.
Rick was an avid golfer for most of life also enjoying other outdoor pursuits like gardening, sailing/boating and most recently, fly fishing. Always the artist and architect, Rick was a travel enthusiast who was always looking forward to the next trip with his wife and family.
The family will be receiving friends Friday, March 15th from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Givnish of Cinnaminson (1200 Route 130 North) followed by a memorial service at 11 a.m. The service will be livestreamed and can be viewed with this link: https://www.viewlogies.net/givnish/EgFxYUDMz?pin=590674
Inurnment at Lakeview Memorial Park will be private for the family only.
As you know Rick donated a lot of his time and talent to many organizations so please make a contribution in Rick’s name to a charity of your choice.
To share your fondest memories of Rick, please visit www.givnish.com
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