Stephen Jon Curley

Stephen Jon Curley was born on July 4, 1963, in San Francisco, California, to John and Frances Curley. With his father working in sales management, the family moved frequently during Steve’s childhood, living in Concord, Los Angeles, Washington State, Texas, Marin, and Rohnert Park. He graduated from high school in Cypress, Texas, in 1981.

Frequent moves made Steve and his older brother Mark the “new kids” in school, teaching them early to stand up for themselves. Steve excelled academically and athletically, becoming a successful teenage boxer before discovering his true path in the martial arts. He returned to Rohnert Park, earned a business degree from Sonoma State University, and began training in Okinawan Shorin-Ryu Karate and Yamani-Ryu Kabudo under Timothy Unisa. There he met Teri. They began dating in 1996, married in Hawaii in 1999, and settled in Santa Rosa. The couple shared a deep love for Hawaii, where they vacationed often, danced hula, and where Steve learned to play Hawaiian music.

In 1994, Steve took over the dojo and renamed it the International Budo Academy, where he taught for 35 years. A dedicated and lifelong learner, he earned advanced ranks in multiple disciplines, including Kyoshi (7th Dan) in Shorin-Ryu Shorinkan Okinawan Karate and 4th Dan in Shorinkan Kobudo under Kyoshi Sam Ahtye. He maintained close ties to Okinawa, training annually with Hanshi Minoru Nakazato. He also achieved 5th Dan in Shurite Ju-Jutsu under Kyoshi Troy Price, became an Escrima Master under Grandmaster Rene Latosa, and continued studying Matayoshi Kobudo and Tai Chi in his later years. In 1996 he founded Stephen Curley Roofing, building a respected company known for efficiency, quality work, and outstanding client service.

Steve was a passionate teacher who especially loved working with children. He reviewed report cards, supported academic success, and provided countless scholarships to students from lower-income families. To many he was a mentor, a father figure, and a warm friend who could always be counted on for a joke, a song on the ukulele, or a memorable barbecue at the family home in the wine country.

Steve is survived by his wife Teri Curley and their beloved dog Buddy, his brother Mark Curley (Nancy), nieces and nephews Meagan, Emily, David, and Joey, his stepmother Kelly Curley, stepbrothers Kyle Chapman (Jill) and Bryan Chapman (Cindi), and their children Kayla, Justin, Jenna, and Emily.