Richard E. Curtis

Richard Everett Curtis, born August 31, 1951 to Carolyn Curtis-Bryant and Donald Curtis, of Harrisburg, passed away on Friday November 1, 2019 in Harrisburg Hospital.

Richard (A.K.A. Rick, Ricky, Ricky C’s) graduated from Mercersburg Academy in 1969. While attending Mercersburg Academy, Rick was known as the “black flash.” He participated in J.V. and varsity football, wresting, and track. His athletic ability and love for physical activities would serve as a catalyst for his career path. Richard’s academic dedication earned him a higher education slot at Penn State. During his time there he joined Kappa Alpha Psi. With college over, Ricky went on to enjoy adult life. 

As an adult, Richard spent time working for the Pennsylvania Child Abuse Hotline. Later he joined the United States
Army in 1971 where he would serve three years as a Combat Medic. He served in the U.S. Army with the 79th Infantry Division and was honorably discharged. Well-trained and ready for civilian life, Richard transitioned to serve the City of Harrisburg. 

On January 6, 1983, Mayor Steven Reed swore ​Richard ​in as Officer Curtis. ​Richard’s ​prowess promoted him swiftly to Detective. He was a member of the Fraternal Order of Police, Lodge #12. Richard was well known as an outstanding detective who sacrificed his life for his community. Stories of his noble actions and love for his fellow officers can still be heard from members of the community today. Richard served proudly for 17 years, retiring with commendation. 

Aside from his seriousness, Ricky was known for cracking corny jokes. He could clean a house with the best of them. Ricky C’s was an avid Eagles fan and enjoyed watching movies. One of his favorite lines was from Bruce Willis “Yippee Ki-Yay…”. He was family oriented and loved his children. 

He was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, “Battlin Black” and Carolyn Jones, maternal grandparents Georgie and Sinnie B. Travick, parents Donald and Carolyn; his siblings Debra, Donald, Kenneth, and George Curtis, and his son Dax Emille Curtis, Sr. Left to cherish his memory are his wife Valerie Kiser, his daughter Nakia Wallace of Tampa, FL, and his sons Nate Curtis (Natalie) and Kyle Curtis of Harrisburg, PA. He is also survived by his stepchildren, Dereck Kiser II (Bianca) and Erica McFarland (Tyron) of Harrisburg; eight grandchildren, and a host of other relatives and friends.