Tim Curtin
2013
Tim Curtin’s energy and generosity has served the City of Stamford in many capacities over the years. His impact has spanned from supporting our culture and arts to preserving our history to improving our quality of life. And all done with humor, wisdom and spirit.
After Tim graduated from high school, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy during closing months of World War II and served on the aircraft carrier U.S.S. Wasp. He earned his Bachelor of Science from Boston College, his Juris Doctorate from Seton Hall University Law School and his M.B.A. from the University of Connecticut. While attending Georgetown Law School, Tim met his future wife, Fay, where, as two ardent art lovers, they took advantage of Washington, D.C.’s museums and cultural events – passions that Stamford later benefited.
Tim joined the FBI and served in the agency for 13 years. He participated in the landmark 1964 investigation that solved the murders of three voting rights activists immortalized in the film Mississippi Burning and the case in which the stolen Krupp Diamond was recovered. He also worked on several high-profile organized crime cases.
On leaving the FBI, Tim moved to Stamford to work for CIBA-Geigy. Almost as soon as he and his family moved to Stamford in the mid-1960s, he began demonstrating his commitment to public service. Over the past five decades, Tim has served in leadership positions in city government that included the Planning Board, the Stamford Fire Commission, the Stamford Water Pollution Control Authority, the Stamford Cultural Development Corp. and the Stamford Partnership.
After retiring from CIBA-Geigy in the mid-1990s as vice president, corporate relations, Tim served on Mayor Malloy’s transition team and cabinet as unsalaried special assistant. For five years he spearheaded key municipal projects, such as funding for the reconstruction of the Palace Theater and jump starting the Mill River initiative. Appointed director of operations in 2000, Tim’s tenure is highlighted by his efforts to save Old Town Hall, build four new parks, and not only to save the WPA Daugherty Murals, but also to promote public art throughout Stamford. In 2007, Tim left the Office of Operations and returned to the position of unsalaried assistant to the Mayor, and he has continued to serve the City as a dollar-a-year man and supervise special projects.
Tim and his wife Fay live in Shippan and have raised four sons in Stamford.