CURRAN H. THOMAS CURRAN, JR. "Tom" Died unexpectedly on Friday, February 28, 2014, at Fairfax Hospital. A resident of Haymarket, Va., he was 78 years old. Born on March 5, 1935, Tom grew up in Cliffside Park, NJ. He graduated from Cardinal Farley Military Academy in Rhinecliff, NJ in 1953 where he excelled as a student leader and on the football team. A graduate of Villanova University, (c of 1957), with a degree in psychology, Tom remained an active alumni of VU. He established the Harold Thomas Curran scholarship (named for his father) to provide first generation college students the opportunity to attend Villanova University. Tom enlisted and served in the US Army from 1957 to 1959. He married his first wife, Virginia Gallo, in 1959, they had four children and settled in Annandale, VA. Tom, a true entrepreneur, was the founder and retired CEO of American Systems Corporation. His vision, along with his partners', Woody Ramsey, was to create the "the better company". The "ASC Way" meant employees were "available, able, willing and committed". It gave people responsibility with minimal management. Wanting to continue the legacy, the company was sold to the employees in order to maintain the basic values that were instilled. He retired as Chairman of the Board in 2001. He married Sarah Hill in April, 1996. Tom and Sarah enjoyed their grandchildren, traveling together, riding Harley Davidson motorcycles, spending winters in Jensen Beach, Florida, and supporting the arts through the Kennedy Center. Tom was an avid tennis player and lover of books and music. He enjoyed card and board games, and vacationing with his children and their families. He influenced countless lives through his leadership, integrity and generous spirit. Beloved husband of Sarah R Curran for 17 years. Devoted father of Steve (Cindy) Curran, Daniel Curran (Stephanie Steele), Katherine (Bruce) Prouty, and Virginia (Jeffrey) Schrank. Loving grandfather of Stephen Thomas, Michael, Carly and Danny Curran, Alyssa, Sophia and Brooke Prouty, Nick, Steve, Jake and Tommy Schrank. Loving stepfather to Cameron (Aaron) Glahe and grandfather to her children, Hayden and Morgan. Also survived by his first wife, Virginia Gerner. He was predeceased by his parents, Harold and Marie Curran and his sister, Patricia Curran Danisewicz. Relatives and friends are invited to Tom's Life Celebration at Money & King Funeral Home, 171 W. Maple Avenue, Vienna, VA on Friday, March 7 from 1 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Mark Catholic Church, 9970 Vale Road, Vienna, VA on Saturday, March 8 at 11 am. Interment will follow at Flint Hill Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center at http://mskcc.convio.net/site/TR/Events/GivingSite?pxfid=36950&fr_id=1580&pg=fund. Online condolences and fond memories of Tom may be shared at www.moneyandking.com

Published in The Washington Post on Mar. 5, 2014