Neil W. Currie

Neil Wilson Currie passed away peacefully, surrounded by family on February 17, 2020 at 97. He was born January 18, 1923, in Pittsfield, MA. Neil attended Taft School, Watertown, CT. He went on to Yale University, New Haven, CT, graduating in 1947. He enlisted in the Army Air Corps in 1943, serving his country in WWII. Neil earned the rank of second lieutenant fighter pilot, flying P-47 Thunderbolts in over 90 missions. He was a beloved teacher at Taft School from 1956 to 1986. He also loved coaching basketball.

Neil began bird-watching as a teenager and pursued this avocation for at least eighty years. He traveled the world in search of new birding experiences – Panama, the Aleutian Islands, Costa Rica, Europe and Africa. He was a well-known birder, with a passion for learning about the natural world around him. In 1971, he co-founded the New England Hawk Watch.

Neil is survived by his son Robert Currie, his wife Polly , their four children Tucker, Rebecca, Neil, and Emily, and eleven great-grandchildren; his daughter Mary Currie; his step children Jeff and Wendy Pastore, and his close friend Sandy Keane. He is survived by his ex-wife Margery Kelso, and predeceased by his son Neil (Ben) Currie and wife Mary Ann Currie.

A celebration of life will be held at Pomperaug Woods, 80 Heritage Rd, Southbury, in the Garden Room on Sunday, February 23 from 2:00 to 4:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, donations to a favorite conservation organization is encouraged. The Carpino Funeral Home of Southbury has been entrusted with the arrangements. To leave a message of remembrance, please visit: www.CarpinoCares.com

To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Neil W. Currie, please visit our Tree Store.