Louis F. Curcione, 80, a retired Niagara Falls Police captain, died Sunday, January 30, 2022 after a brief illness.
Louis was the son of the late Fred and Esther (Civiletto) Curcione. He grew up in Niagara Falls and graduated from Niagara Falls High School in 1959. He enlisted in the Army in 1961. He was stationed at Sandia Base, Albuquerque, New Mexico, where he met his future wife, Janet. After completing his service, he and Janet moved back to Niagara Falls to start a family.
Louis followed in his father’s footsteps, joining the Niagara Falls Police Department in 1966, becoming a patrolman. He rose up the ranks becoming detective in 1974, detective lieutenant in 1981 and finally detective captain in 1989, an achievement he was most proud of. He was chief of detectives in the 1980’s and again in the late 1990’s. In 1983, he attended and graduated the FBI Academy in Quantico, VA.
Throughout his police career he took part in many high-profile cases working in the homicide department. Leading the Street Crimes Unit in the late 80’s, many crimes were solved under his watch. In 1986 he received an award from business operators in the Pine Avenue area bringing to justice the “fast food robbers”. He also received the Good Neighbor award and the Past Presidents Award by the Judges & Police Executive Conference.
Louis started a floor covering business, Falls Flooring, in 1974. He learned this trade working alongside his uncle, Arthur Curcione, for many years. He also enjoyed spending time at multiple skating rinks watching his sons play the game he loved, hockey; dance recitals for his daughter; building ice skating rinks in his back yard for his children and their friends; taking care of his beloved swimming pool and hunting with friends yearly at their hunting camp in Wellsville, NY.
Louis retired from the police force in 1999. He, Janet and dog Barney(deceased), now Riley, divided their retirement years between homes in Lewiston and Mesa, AZ, where he played golf and enjoyed spending time with family and friends. His tough exterior was on display throughout his life but to those who truly loved him they knew it was mostly an act after years of being a cop. He loved his three children and was most proud of their accomplishments as adults. He was also extremely proud of his four grandchildren as they entered adulthood. He was a one of a kind and will be truly missed by all who were lucky to be part of his life.
In addition to his wife Janet, he is survived by his son Michael (Christine) of Pittsburgh, PA, daughter Michelle of Lewiston, NY and son Daniel (Amy) of Matthews, NC; four grandchildren Andrew, Abigail, Alyssa and Nini Curcione; father-in-law Dale Pipher (Helen, deceased), sister-in-law Connie Day (Rick, deceased), brother-in-law Jerry Pipher; lifelong friends here in Niagara Falls and many friends and golf buddies in Mesa, AZ, along with several cousins.
Visitation will be on Saturday, February 5 from 3 – 7 PM at M.J. COLUCCI & SON NIAGARA FUNERAL CHAPEL, 2730 Military Road, Niagara Falls, NY. In lieu of flowers, memorial offerings may be made to the Wounded Warrior’s Foundation. Visit mjcoluccifuneralchapel.com for online condolences.
