In Memory Of

Vern Curry was born on Feb. 27, 1924 in Texline Texas. He passed away peacefully on July 18, 2010 with his family at his bedside. He was 86 years old.

Just out of the Army, and armed with a few years of experience as an upholsterer, Vern joined local 44 on June 1, 1946. After he was initiated the following year,
Vern put his experience as an upholsterer to good use at Columbia Pictures for the next few years. In 1957, he became the department head for Desilu drapery and was a firsthand, behind the scenes witness to the television phenomenon “I Love Lucy. Vern spent the next ten years at Desilu until it was sold to Paramount in the late 60’s. He then opened Vern Curry Enterprises- offering drapery/upholstery services to feature films, TV and commercials- and kept that business going strong for ten years. He was so ambitious and dedicated to his craft that he spent 18 months as an independent head of Columbia Pictures Drapery while still running his own business!
Vern Curry Enterprises was sold in 1979 and Vern worked at Fox Drapery before landing a longtime gig at Warner Hollywood as the head of the drapery department. There he worked on all the popular Aaron Spelling shows of the 1980’s- “Love Boat, Dynasty” and “Hotel” among them.
He retired in 1989 but would come out of retirement in 1995 to work for his son Brad at age 71. “Dad never acted like the industry owed him anything.” “ He was just grateful to be a part of it.” They made a great team and worked on three features together.
In an interview for the Local 44 newsletter, Vern was quoted as saying, “I have really enjoyed my work. I can’t imagine any other job that would have been more gratifying.”
Vern is survived by his wife of 65 years, Audrey, his sons Doug and Brad, and his daughter Kathleen.
We will all miss him very much.