ALBANY, N.Y. -- The credit union industry is mourning the loss of former Empower Federal Credit Union Co-President/CEO J. Raymond Curtin, who died suddenly on July 21, 2008.

Over a 30-year career in the financial services industry, Curtin held positions at OnBank, Merchants Bank, Agway and Price Waterhouse before joining the credit union industry as president/CEO of Empire FCU. He also taught at SUNY Oswego where he was professor of finance.

Curtin assisted in the successful merger that created Empower FCU, a $640 million plus credit union, and served as the new credit union's co-president/CEO until his retirement in December 2007.

"It was with great sadness that I learned of the untimely death of Ray Curtin," said William J. Mellin, president/CEO of the Credit Union Association of New York. "He was a progressive leader in the credit union movement. He was passionate in his recognition, support and dedication to the importance of financial education for all individuals and was always the first to open his credit union's doors for training sessions. On behalf of the association, I express our sincere condolences to Ray's family."

For many years, Curtin also served as a chapter president and council member of the Credit Union Association of New York. He chaired the association's education committee and received its Educator of the Year Award in 2003.

Curtin is survived by his wife of 34 years, Pat, a daughter, two sons and five siblings. Donations in Curtin's memory may be sent to United Way of Central New York, P.O. Box 2129, Syracuse, NY 13220.

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