Daniel Curry

Daniel Alexander Bender Curry, of Newport, NC, passed away on July 16, 2025, at ECU Health Medical Center in Greenville, from complications of aplastic anemia at 44 years old.

A gathering of friends will be held from 4:00 to 6:00 pm on Tuesday, July 22, 2025 at Noe-Brooks Funeral Home of Morehead City, with a time of sharing at 5:00 pm.

Daniel was born in Bogota, Colombia, and came to live with his adoptive family when he was four years old. He grew up in Durham and Chapel Hill, NC, graduated from Durham Academy, and served in the legal branch of the US Marine Corps from 2003 to 2023, retiring as Chief Warrant Officer II. During his time in the Marine Corps, he served tours in Guantanamo and Iraq. Post his retirement, he dedicated the last years of his life to his wife and kids.

Daniel was a source of joy to his parents, his wife, his older brother, his younger sister, his children, and his friends. He had a happy heart, an infectious smile, and a kind soul. He was a talented musician, and from a young age he would entertain his family by singing and playing “musica” on his little guitar. This passion continued through his teenage years where he played guitar and bass in several musical groups. Dan was a gifted athlete, playing soccer and lacrosse in middle school and high school and later capitalizing on his speed and endurance by running in the Marine Corps Marathon. He loved to travel with his family, including trips to Bolivia and volunteering in Honduras. His loyalty and good heart led to long-standing friendships, including with his fellow Marines.

His greatest source of happiness in his adult years was his own family: his wife, Abish, and his daughters, Arianna, Abish Jr, Abigail, and Alejandra. He was a remarkable father: an affectionate, patient and positive guide to his children. His face would light up when with them, or even when talking about them.

He is survived by his wife Abish Valdez and daughters; his parents, John Curry and Deborah Bender; his brother, Sean (Maggie); his sister, Kirsten (Tony) Mathis; his mother-in-law, Loralee Valdez and his father-in-law, Paul Valdez; and many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews who remember him fondly.

Condolences and life tributes may be sent to the family at www.noebrooks.net

Arrangements by Noe-Brooks Funeral Home & Crematory of Morehead City, NC.