Brendan Curran, Woburn, MA – Beloved Son, Iron Worker, Loyal Friend, and Respected Community Member Dies Unexpectedly; The City of Woburn and Iron Workers Local 7 Mourn the Loss of a Humble Tradesman Who Embodied Integrity, Brotherhood, and Quiet Strength
Remembering Brendan Curran: A Life of Grit, Grace, and Genuine Kindness
The community of Woburn, Massachusetts, and the larger family of Iron Workers Local 7, are grappling with the devastating and sudden loss of Brendan Curran, a dedicated journeyman, beloved family member, and loyal friend who passed away unexpectedly. His death has left an emotional void that cannot be filled, but his life remains a powerful example of quiet leadership, integrity, compassion, and unwavering work ethic.
Brendan’s story is not one marked by accolades in the public eye, but by a deeper, more meaningful kind of legacy—the one built in early mornings, long days, shared coffee breaks, steel beams, and quiet moments of friendship. It is a legacy that has touched not just those who knew him well, but also the countless people impacted by his presence, work, and way of being.
Early Life: A True Son of Massachusetts
Brendan Curran was born in the greater Boston area, a region known for its fiercely proud and tight-knit communities. From his earliest days, Brendan exemplified the character and spirit that define so many of the people from this part of the country. He was hardworking, loyal, and deeply connected to the people around him.
Raised in a family that valued community, humility, and hard work, Brendan was instilled early on with the kind of foundational values that would go on to shape his identity. He came of age in neighborhoods where people looked out for one another and where mutual respect was something earned through actions, not words. These lessons would stay with Brendan throughout his life.
He attended local schools, played sports with friends on the weekends, and enjoyed exploring the natural beauty of Massachusetts. Whether walking through wooded trails or grabbing a slice of pizza from a local shop, Brendan always remained grounded and comfortable in the simplicity of his environment.
A Career Forged in Steel and Brotherhood: Joining Iron Workers Local 7
In January 2020, Brendan took a major step in his life when he joined Iron Workers Local 7, one of the most respected trade unions in New England. With a history stretching back over a century, Iron Workers Local 7 represents more than just a career—it represents brotherhood, tradition, and craftsmanship.
Brendan embraced this identity with quiet pride. From his first days as an apprentice to the moment he earned his title as a journeyman, he demonstrated an unwavering commitment to the trade. He wasn’t just clocking in; he was building something—literally and figuratively.
He rose before the sun, braved freezing temperatures in the winter and blistering heat in the summer, and worked long hours under demanding conditions. Whether he was helping erect steel for a multi-story structure in the heart of Boston or supporting smaller-scale community construction, Brendan brought the same attention to detail and pride to every task.
To his peers, he was more than just competent—he was steady, dependable, and deeply respected. Apprentices remember him for his calm demeanor and willingness to share knowledge. Supervisors respected him for his accountability and diligence. He embodied the very ethos of the union: skill, strength, and solidarity.
A Quiet Leader Among Men
Brendan was not the loudest man in the room, but his presence commanded attention. He had a unique ability to lead without ever needing to declare it. His strength came not from volume but from consistency—in his work, in his relationships, and in his moral compass.
Colleagues describe Brendan as someone who could defuse tension on a job site simply by being himself. His dry wit, delivered with impeccable timing, had a way of lifting spirits during grueling days. But it was his ability to truly listen, to give people space to be heard without judgment, that made him stand out.
Many younger workers have shared stories of Brendan pulling them aside after a long day to offer words of encouragement or subtle but effective advice. He didn’t do this for credit. He did it because he cared. Because he remembered what it was like to be new, uncertain, and trying to prove yourself.
Brendan understood that true strength was not in muscle alone but in character—in showing up, following through, and standing beside others.
Rooted in Community: Woburn, MA
Brendan lived in Woburn, a historic Massachusetts town that he loved dearly. Woburn wasn’t just where Brendan lived—it was where he belonged. He was a familiar face at local events, bars, diners, and grocery stores. Never flashy, always friendly, Brendan made others feel seen and welcome.
He found joy in the everyday: a backyard barbecue with childhood friends, a Red Sox game on TV, a long scenic drive through the North Shore. He enjoyed quiet weekends with family, simple walks through Horn Pond, and holiday gatherings that brought everyone together.
His neighbors recall how Brendan always lent a hand without being asked—whether shoveling snow from someone’s driveway, helping fix a fence, or checking in on elderly residents during storms. His generosity was never for show; it was who he was at his core.
He supported local youth sports teams, attended community fundraisers, and stood in solidarity with others when tragedy struck. He believed in the strength of togetherness, and his presence in Woburn was a true gift.
Family First: A Son, A Brother, A Rock
To Brendan’s family, he was far more than just a tradesman. He was a foundation—reliable, supportive, and deeply loving. He was a source of calm in times of chaos, a person you could always count on to show up, to be present, and to offer real, heartfelt care.
His relationship with his parents was full of respect, affection, and quiet gratitude. He never missed birthdays or anniversaries, never forgot to call home just to check in. His bond with his siblings was equally strong—grounded in shared experiences, inside jokes, and mutual admiration.
Brendan wasn’t one for grand displays of emotion, but those closest to him knew just how deeply he felt. He expressed love through action: driving a relative to a doctor’s appointment, helping a cousin move into a new apartment, or spending hours fixing something he’d noticed needed attention.
He made time. He made effort. And in doing so, he made his loved ones feel cherished.
A Sportsman at Heart
Brendan’s love for sports was part of who he was. A lifelong fan of Boston’s teams, he could often be found cheering on the Red Sox, Patriots, Bruins, or Celtics—depending on the season. Win or lose, he supported his teams with the same steadfastness he brought to every part of life.
He enjoyed attending games when he could, often with friends from work or family members. On days off, he’d proudly wear his favorite team’s cap or hoodie, catching up on scores while manning the grill or relaxing on the porch.
But more than just a fan, Brendan appreciated what sports represented: teamwork, loyalty, effort, and heart. All values he lived by.
Iron Workers Local 7 Mourns the Loss of a Brother
Following Brendan’s passing, Iron Workers Local 7 released a heartfelt statement mourning the loss of one of their own. “Brendan was a true union man,” the statement read, “a tradesman whose integrity elevated everyone around him. He was not just our coworker—he was our brother.”
Fellow members gathered in memory, sharing stories of Brendan’s kindness, reliability, and impact. Many expressed that his influence would continue to shape the culture of their crew. His helmet, gloves, and harness were placed in a respectful tribute at the union hall—an acknowledgment of a life lived in service to the trade and the people in it.
The union has pledged support to Brendan’s family and encouraged members to remember him by upholding the values he lived by: hard work, humility, and human decency.
A Legacy Carried Forward
Though Brendan Curran’s life was tragically cut short, his legacy will endure—in every beam he helped raise, in every young worker he mentored, and in every life he touched. His story will be told at kitchen tables, union halls, and community gatherings for years to come.
His family will remember his steadfast love. His friends will recall his wit and loyalty. His colleagues will carry his lessons into their own work. And the city of Woburn will continue to feel his absence, even as it honors his memory.
Final Reflections: Brendan’s Spirit Lives On
In a world that often overlooks quiet strength, Brendan Curran stood as a powerful reminder that greatness is not always loud. It is found in showing up every day. In being there for others. In doing the right thing, even when no one is watching.
Brendan was real—genuine in every sense. And in that authenticity, he made a difference.
His life may not have made headlines every day, but it mattered—deeply and permanently. It mattered to his
