Alfonso Dawson Mortuary, Inc. | Atlanta, GA

Obituary For Mr. August Onorato Curley, Sr

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Mr. August Curley Sr. August passed on May 23, 2021 after a long illness. August was born October 19, 1927 in Helena, Ark. to Agostino Onorato and Spencer Elvia Curley. He served in the Army at Fort Chaffee, AR and in Korea and Japan from 1950 – 1955. August was a graduate of Morehouse College and completed post-graduate work at Clark Atlanta University, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, the University of Rochester and Georgia State University. As a Phi Beta Kappa Environmental Researcher, his career in the field of biochemistry, toxicology and pharmacology spanned almost four decades. Following discharge from the Army August worked for the Veterans’ Administration in Battle Creek Michigan. August moved back to Arkansas and taught school, eventually moving to Atlanta Georgia where he also taught Chemistry at David T. Howard High School. His career in the toxicology/pharmacology field began at the Atlanta Toxicology Laboratory, which later became the Center for Disease Control, where he was Chief and Supervisory Research Chemist. President Nixon formed the Environmental Protection Agency, and August transferred to that agency located in Research Triangle Park, NC. He served in several research and administrative functions with EPA, including time spent as an environmental consultant to the World Health Organization and Pesticides Research Manager in Egypt. He finally retired after serving as a visiting scientist and program manager with the Historically Black Colleges and Universities/Minority Institutions (HBCU/MI) Consortium at Clark Atlanta University. The Consortium was tasked with development of minority education programs in preparation for environmental/toxicological careers. During his long career, he published and contributed to over 30 research papers in peer-reviewed journals. August was a member of the Phi Beta Kappa, the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, the American Chemical Society, the Society of Toxicology and the Knights of Columbus. His parents, along with six brothers and sisters preceded him in death. His son August Onorato Curley, Jr. (Rochelle) and daughter, Karen R. Curley Tisdale, survive him, along with grandchildren Daria, Miles, Leah and Hannah, in addition to a host of relatives across the country and in Italy. A funeral mass will be held at St. Gabriel’s Catholic Church in Fayetteville, GA on Friday June 4 at 11am. Interment will be at the Oak Hill Cemetery in Battle Creek, MI. The family requests donations to the Morehouse College General Scholarship Fund in lieu of flowers.

Guest Book

Met "Augie" in Korea (1955) He in hqs 83rd ord - me in hqs 24th EODC. Was a very fine friend and buddie. We had kept contact all these yrs I don't do facebook and mail bounced so lost contact last couple yrs' till ran across the obit on internet. Condolences to family - very sad to hear of your loss. A great loss to planet earth. couple old pics added. Geo. Cantrall couple pics added

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To the Curley family. Sincere sympathy. I thought that I had posted a memory but it it there. He was a very special part of my life. He, Fred and Ginny Obey became my family's in my first assignment in the Foreign Service in Cairo,Egypt a young Black woman from NC. All these many years later he remained a loyal loving friend to me, Hassan and Courtney. I shall really miss him. God bless you all. Mary Cross-Sidky&Fanily

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Praying that you'll be filled with happy memories and surrounded by love. My heart goes out to you and the family. Sharyll Curley Etuk Aron

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To August, Karen, his grandchildren and the extended family, heartfelt condolences on Gus' passing. I trust the good memories of Gus will comfort and strengthen you now and in the years ahead. I have wonderful memories of Gus; an old school gentleman and scholar; a lifelong academic. I cannot recall a conversation with Gus that I did not learn something from him. I shall miss my friend. May God grant unto his soul eternal rest. My love and prayers are with The Family. Dian Bourne

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Heartfelt condolences and prayers to you and your family during this time of bereavement. Vanira Peek Millines

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I will always remember the times we spent together. Learning and laughing. You will be in my thoughts for ever. I love you Uncle Sonny. To Karen and August I pray for strength for you. Always there for you. Love Mary.

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Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.

- Alfonso Dawson Mortuary, Inc. | Atlanta, GA