COLUMBIA, Md. — Dennis Charles Curry died Friday, Sept. 6, 2024. He was 72.

Dennis was born May 18, 1952, in Youngstown, to Charles B. and Mary B. Curry.

Dennis received his B.A. and M.A. degrees in anthropology from The Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C., and went on to have a 40-year career in archeology, retiring from the Maryland Historical Trust in 2017 as chief archeologist of the State of Maryland.

He published two books, “Feast of the Dead: Aboriginal Ossuaries in Maryland” in 1999 and “Canavest: The History and Archeology of a Late 17th Century Piscataway Indian Fort” in 2023. Dennis is the recipient of numerous awards, including the Middle Atlantic Archeological Conferences Significant Contribution Award, the Maryland Historical Trust’s Special Award of Merit, the Archeological Society of Maryland’s William B. Marye Award and the Middle Atlantic Archeological Conference’s Lifetime Achievement Award.

Dennis supported his wife, Mary, when she established the Laurel School of Music in 1989 and helped run it with her until 2004.

An avid, lifelong reader, Dennis was often found in a comfortable chair with a book or a crossword puzzle in one hand, a bourbon or gin in the other, and a cat by his side. When he wasn’t reading, he was watching hockey, football or college sports, or cooking — he loved to make beef burgundy stew, smoked salmon or anything in a wok.

Most of all, Dennis loved his family. He and his wife, Mary Dreyer Curry, met in college and celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary Aug. 31, 2024. Dennis surprised his wife with an amethyst necklace surrounded by 49 diamonds, complementing the diamond on her engagement ring to make 50.

Dennis was endlessly proud of his four children, Daniel Curry (Michelle), Damon Curry (Mark Smedley), Rachel Curry (Kenneth Wright) and Chloe Curry (Laine Rivers); and was known as “Grandpa” to his four grandchildren, Jacob Curry, Nathan Curry, Maggie Wright and Susanna Curry.

Dennis is also survived by his brother, Brian Curry (Claudia); and numerous nieces, nephews and their children.

Dennis was predeceased by his parents, Charles and Mary.

A celebration of life will be planned for a later date. Updates will be available at https://everloved.com/life-of/dennis-curry/.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Johns Hopkins Pancreatic Cancer Research Fund (https://pathology.jhu.edu/pancreas/donate).

https://www.vindy.com/obituaries/2024/09/dennis-c-curry-1952-2024/