Sheldon Curci

Sheldon Anthony Curci

August 18, 1999 - November 25, 2025

Sheldon Anthony Curci was born on August 18, 1999, in Redwood City, California, to Tony Curci and Ami (Curci) Tanner. He grew up in California, attending Roy Cloud Elementary and Woodside High School, before moving to Texas in 2011 with his mom, sister, and brother. Though Texas became home, Sheldon was a traveler at heart. He spent time living in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, and returned to California often-always drawn to the outdoors and the mountains he loved so much.

Sheldon was a gifted carpenter who could build just about anything he set his mind to. He learned the craft from his father, his Papa, and Kevin-three men who deeply influenced his skills and confidence in working with his hands. His creativity and craftsmanship came naturally, and he quickly developed a reputation for his talent. He also pursued his passion for bees, operating a bee removal service and working toward building his agricultural honey business. Whether building or beekeeping, Sheldon approached everything with curiosity, talent, and determination.

Sheldon loved adventure. He enjoyed snow skiing and had a deep passion for aviation. He began flying lessons at just 12 years old, a dream that took hold early and never left him. He flew model airplanes both as a child and later as an adult hobbyist, and eventually flew real planes. He had completed all of his required flight hours, with only the FAA medical exam left before earning his pilot's license.

Those who knew Sheldon will remember his enormous heart. He was always the first to help, always rescuing animals and welcoming them into the family. In January, a stray puppy wandered into the yard, and Sheldon instantly claimed him as his own. He named him Cuddie-short for "Cuddles." Their bond was pure and unwavering; Cuddie stayed loyally by Sheldon's side until the very end.

Sheldon was incredibly smart and endlessly curious. He had a mind full of ideas, dreams, and adventures. He loved deep conversations-ranging from history to politics to faith-often talking and learning alongside his stepfather Donovan, his "in-house theologian." Sheldon could dive into a subject and explain it with such passion and insight that it amazed everyone around him. His best friend Aiden recently shared, "Your son was an amazingly intelligent individual-a genius." As his mother, I know Sheldon never fully saw in himself the brilliance so many others recognized.

Sheldon adored his nephew Weston, and they shared a special bond. Weston knew him lovingly as "Bubba," the name Sheldon wanted him to use, as it was the same name Sheldon had always used for his own uncle. They brought each other so much joy. Sheldon spoke often about wanting to be a father one day, and all who knew him believe he would have been a wonderful one.

Sheldon was preceded in death by his grandmother, Gilda Garrett, and his grandfather, Hank Curci.

He is survived by his mother and stepfather, Ami and Donovan Tanner; his father, Tony Curci; his sisters, Hannah MacChesney and Ashlin Curci; his brother, Grayson Curci; his nephew, Weston MacChesney; his great-grandmother, Sue Pugh; his grandfathers, David Wright and J.D. Garrett; and his grandparents Haydi and David Sowerwine. He is also survived by many aunts, uncles, and cousins. He leaves behind countless friends and loved ones who will carry his memory forever.

Sheldon's life was full of courage, creativity, kindness, and curiosity. He walked his own path-one filled with mountains, skies, animals, and dreams-and he will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. Sheldon and his priceless smile will live on forever in our hearts.

A memorial service will be held in both Texas and California at a later date.

"To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord."

- 2 Corinthians 5:8