Final Salute

James “Jack” Curnutte, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend passed away peacefully on October 2, 2026 at the age of 97.

Born in Gates, Pennsylvania on April 23, 1929, Jack was raised in nearby Uniontown. He graduated from St. Mary’s High School, along with the love of his life Margaret “Peggy” (Riordan) in 1948. After graduation he went on to serve in the United States Navy (Seabees) from 1948 until 1952. Jack loved telling the many interesting and funny stories of his adventures touring the world during his Navy years. Jack and Peggy got married on July 21, 1956, at St. John’s Church in Uniontown, Pennsylvania. Shortly after their marriage, the couple moved to Detroit, Michigan, where Jack began pursuing his career in the Plating Department of the Cadillac Motor Car Division of General Motors. Jack dedicated more than 30 years to General Motors, taking great pride in his work and commitment throughout his career.

Jack will be remembered by all who knew him as a kind and gentle person who devoted his life to his family. They have many fond memories of his wonderful sense of humor, fun camping and fishing trips and his love for gardening. After retirement, Jack enjoyed life to the fullest, spending his time bowling, golfing, fishing, and, perhaps most importantly, attending countless family gatherings, where he somehow found himself, much to his chagrin, at the center of attention from his ever-loving offspring.

Jack is survived by his six children Jeff (Kathy) Curnutte, Jim (Julie) Curnutte, Carin (Rick) Burns, Lisa (Gary) Miller, Paul (Martha) Curnutte and Alison (Ron) Bushaw, along with 15 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren.

Jack is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Peggy, father, Willard, mother, Bridget, brother, Edward, and sisters Patricia and Virginia.Jack will be missed beyond measure and remembered forever with love.

A viewing will be held at UHT Funeral Home in Westland, Michigan, on Friday, October 9, with visitation from 2:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Military Honors will be held at 7:00 p.m. The funeral service will be held on Saturday, October 10, with instate visitation beginning at 9:30 a.m., followed by Mass at 10:00 a.m. at St. Mary’s Cause of Our Joy Catholic Church in Westland, Michigan.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that memorial contributions be made in his honor to Operation Smile, the American Cancer Society, or the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. The links to the charity donation pages are posted below.