George A. Curley Jr., 18

Pfc. George A. Curley Jr. (1932-51), Korean War hero identified and honored after more than 70 years

After more than seven decades listed as missing in action, the remains of U.S. Army Pfc. George A. Curley Jr., of Laconia, were positively identified on March 3, 2025. He will now return home to be laid to rest.

Born on May 9, 1932, to George Arthur Curley Sr. and Almeda May “Ida” Couture, he was their only child and grew up in Laconia. He attended Sacred Heart Catholic School, was a Boy Scout and a very active boy who loved winter sports. He enjoyed ice fishing, and was an accomplished skier and ski jumper. He drove the company Jeep and enthusiastically worked alongside his father having learned to operate the heavy Earth moving equipment of the family business.

With his father’s consent he enlisted in the New Hampshire National Guard in June 1948, and was later assigned to the Headquarters and Service Company, 2nd Engineer Combat Battalion, 2nd Infantry Division.

Pfc. Curley was just 18 years old when he was captured. He died in captivity at POW Camp 5 near Pyoktong, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, in March 1951.

His parents passed away never knowing the fate of their son's remains. His return brings long-awaited closure to his family, the community of Laconia, and a grateful nation.

Calling hours will be held from 4 to 6 p.m. on Friday, June 27, in the Carriage House at Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home, 164 Pleasant St., Laconia.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. on Saturday, June 28, at St. Andre Bessette Parish - Sacred Heart Church, 291 Union Ave., Laconia.

A graveside service with military honors will be held directly after the Mass at Union Cemetery, Academy Street, Laconia. Pfc. Curley will be interred beside his parents and grandparents.

For those who would like to show their support, the procession from the church to the cemetery will go down Union Avenue to Court Street and left onto Academy Street. Please line up along the route to show your respect for Pfc. Curley.

A reception will follow the graveside service at the VFW Laconia Post 1670, 143 Court St.

Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home & Cremation Services/603Cremations.com, Laconia, is assisting the family with arrangements. For more information and to view an online memorial, visit wilkinsonbeane.com.