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‘Connecting the Community’: Bridge dedicated to Staff Sgt. John F. Curcio in North Bend

By KEVIN RAUCH For The Express 5 min read

NORTH BEND -- Allowing traffic to pass overhead of Young Women's Creek, in a creek he played in as a youngster and pulled many fish out of as an adult and just a stone throw away from the final home that he shared with his beloved wife Annie -- as of Friday, April 26, 2024 the Staff Sergeant John F. Curcio Memorial Bridge will now be sure that one of Renovo's favorite and most accomplished Veterans is memorialized for generations to come.

In a program organized and led by 76th Legislative District Representative Stephanie Borowicz, and as a letter of proclamation was read by Governor Josh Shapiro, dozens of friends and family members gathered for the ceremony just off of state Route 120. Where a man who humbly lived a life about as fulfilled as possible.

John Curcio's military career was serving in the 8th Army Air force, 458th Bomber Group during WWII, completing 35 combat missions.

The veteran shared many stories with family and friends and despite the harrowing, death-defying missions that he would describe, he always had a smile on his face, considering himself blessed and fortunate to be able to tell them.

As the dignified guests and speakers spoke of Curcio individually, those in the audience smiled, laughed and even cried as each person relayed a remarkable story about the man that they all loved.

It was after the event, when those in attendance realized those speaking were only passing down tales of love and bravery of a man that would stick out, even among the most uncommon of men.

Borowicz explained that she had approached John while he was still alive about wanting to rename a bridge after him. After some thought, it was the veteran himself suggesting the bridge near his home -- standing over Young Women's Creek -- would be his choice.

Reading a card that John had written to her, Curcio penned the following: "You mentioned a bridge in my honor, I am very flattered. The one near here is Young Women's Creek, during my lifetime I fished there, I swam and I've enjoyed that beautiful stream that flows many miles from the bridge. The next time you're here please stop by, I have a few things for you."

The final line of that letter was a tone setter, as everyone that spoke and knew John related gifts of all types ranging from $2 bills, to alcohol and even his bomber jacket.

Following the remarks the Bucktail Detachment of Marine Corps League along with the Western Clinton County Honor & Color Guard marched to the John F. Curcio Memorial Bridge where a 21 gun salute and playing of TAPS took place. Bucktail High School sophomore Hayleigh Dent tossed a wreath from the Bridge into Young Woman's Creek in memory of the WWII Hero. Following the procession, John's sister Rose Andrus was driven over the bridge to mark the first person to pass over her brother's Memorial.

A multitude of local officials were amongst those who honored Curcio on Friday morning. This included State Senator Cris Dush (R-25).

"John was the epitome of a WWII Veteran. After serving, they came home and immediately went back to work. They took advantage of their GI Bills; they built this country to what it is today. He went back to work with your VFWs, American Legion, Elks, his church, he welcomed home the Korean War veterans, the VietNam Veterans, the Gulf War veterans, he served as an example for all of us to know what it is to be fearful, to be courageous when you need to be," Dush said. "I think it's extremely fitting that you have a bridge in his honor for two reasons. A bridge connects the community like he did, but a bridge is also supported, to get over a structure, to help these trucks behind me get over this lane and property. He was that pillar of support for all of you."

An excerpt of a letter from Gov. Shapiro read: "Our Commonwealth is forever indebted to our service members for their selfless contributions to the people of this great nation. John dedicated a sense of loyalty and dedication to this Country that is truly inspiring. His legacy will resonate for many years to come. On behalf of all Pennsylvanians, I wish to extend my heartfelt congratulations on this momentous occasion and honor."

Clinton County Commissioner Jim Russo remarked how he met John eight years ago at a meeting.

Russo said he cherished conversations with Curcio, noting they spoke about his own father's service during WWII.

"He was in the 80th Division Third Army, and so I talked to John. Johnny said 'hey I ran gas for your Dad, we ran gas for (General) Patton, I didn't get credit for the mission but we ran him gas.' That conversation started a relationship that I cherish every day," he said.

Curcio's nephew, Roy Cowfer, noted Curcio's legacy and stories he passed on are something that won't be forgotten.

"His stories aren't going to be forgotten. If you go up to the Eldred WWII Museum, I took Uncle John up there several years ago and he spent three and a half hours with the curator upstairs. His stories are up there for the rest of time," he said.

Cowfer also shared a story that summed up Curcio's kindness.

He explained how he'd asked his uncle on one occasion what happened to his sheep skin bomber jacket.

"He said, 'well, when I came home the kid next door was cold so I gave it to him,'" Cowfer recalled.

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