Preston Gray Curtis
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Published in Boston Globe on June 19, 2023
CURTIS, Preston Gray Owner and Founder of Harbor Appraisal Preston Gray, age 60, of Gloucester, MA, formerly of Winchester, MA and Newport Beach, CA, died peacefully, at his family home in Gloucester, on June 16, 2023, of ALS, which he battled with grace, optimism and an unbreakable spirit.
He was an independent thinker who treasured his wide and varied circle of friends. He was the owner and founder of Harbor Appraisal, a North Shore real estate appraisal firm. His work kept him on the road, where he knew the name of every barista between Newburyport and Swampscott. He is survived by his parents, Henry and Judith (Pearl) Curtis of Winchester and Gloucester; and brothers, Geoffrey and his wife, Shannon; and their children, Austin, Caroline and Rhett of Winchester; and Matthew and his wife, Monica; and their child, Alejandro of Cambridge.
Born in Winchester, he attended Belmont Hill School, Rollins College and graduated from the University of Massachusetts Amherst, where he was active in the school television news station. While at Belmont Hill, he was influenced by a number of teachers of the “Greatest Generation’. He had a particular interest in his study of Latin, which kindled a lifelong interest in language. He was captain of the varsity crew and member of the first boat, which set a New England Interscholastic Rowing Association course record that stood for many years. After college, he spent time in the Boston area and in Newport Beach, where he worked in the nascent cellular telephone industry. He spent a few memorable years living on his sailboat docked in Newport Beach Harbor. When knee trouble threatened his running career while living in California, he took up barefoot running and soon found himself competing in 10k races and half marathons. Returning to Boston, he started Team New England Barefoot Running, which organized local barefoot events. A true lover of water, he was happy swimming, kayaking, sailing and spending time at Good Harbor Beach. He had a keen interest in genealogy and Revolutionary War history. Recently, while immobilized by ALS, he researched his ancestry and identified himself as a descendent of a colonial captain who fought at the Battle of Bunker Hill. This prompted him to join the Sons and Daughters of the First Settlers of Newbury and the Sons of the American Revolution. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. The family wishes to express their gratitude to his community of friends and team of caregivers, especially Roma Kelley, whose dedication allowed him to remain at home with his beloved view of the ocean.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in his memory to Compassionate Care ALS, P.O. Box 1052, West Falmouth, MA 02574 or ccals.org For online condolences, please visit www.lanefuneral.com Lane Funeral Home Winchester 781.729.2580
