Obituary of Alicia Gayle Curran
South Plainfield, NJ – Alicia Gayle Curran, 92, passed away at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital at Somerset in Somerville on November 9, 2023. Born in Schenectady, NY to the late Hobart and Marjorie (Butler) Johnson, Gayle resided in Denville for a few years prior to living in Plainfield for thirty years. In 1971, Gayle and Tom bought their house in South Plainfield, Gayle living there ever since.
For over fifty years, Gayle drove a school bus where she enjoyed her time with the children. First, in Plainfield and then in Watchung, ultimately retiring from Watchung Hills Regional High School. After retirement, she worked part-time for Dealaman Bus Company located in Warren.
Gayle was a Union Grievance Representative with Watchung Hills High School and was an active member of the Somerset County Retired Education Association, holding the position of Second Vice President. She became the membership chair which she held that position for several years, always looking forward to attending the Teacher’s Convention in Atlantic City.
In her spare time, Gayle volunteered on the Advisory Board for the South Plainfield Board of Health. Gayle’s most treasured times were with her flowers, family, her German Shepherd and
a lifetime of loyal beagles.
In 1988, her husband, Thomas Curran, former Plainfield Police Chief, passed away after their marriage of forty years. Gayle leaves behind her children and their families; Charles Curran and his wife Debra of Longmont, CO, Marjorie Curran and Timothy Curran, both of South Plainfield, grandchildren; Jason Curran and his wife Brenda of Frederick, CO, Christopher Curran of South Plainfield and Carllee Curran of Longmont, CO. She will be deeply missed by her great-grandchildren; Joshua and Danny of Colorado, and Christopher and Adriana of New Jersey as well as several extended family members and friends.
At the request of Gayle’s family, services were privately held at McCriskin-Gustafson Home for Funerals. Gayle was buried in the family plot in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Plainfield.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital or St Hubert's Animal Welfare Center.
