Firefighter Robert W. Curto, 57, of the Ely Volunteer Fire Department, was killed March 5, 1974, while manning a house during a fire in downtown Ely when the front wall of the nearby Al’s Trim Shop collapsed and hit him full force. He was pronounced dead upon arrival at the hospital.
Robert joined the Cherry Creek Lodge No. 32 of Independent Order of the Odd Fellows by invitation March 12, 1957. He also joined the Ely Encampment No. 14 of IOOF on April 24, 1970. He was a past commander of the American Legion, White Pine Post No. 3, and a past commander of the Veterans of Foreign Wars. He was a veteran of World War II. Robert was a partner with his father in Curto’s Transfer and Storage Company, which originated in Ely in 1908. He was survived by his widow Mrs. Nettiebell Curto, Ely; Sons Robert A. Curto and Ernest L. Curto, both of Ely and Edwin Glover of Farmington, NM; parents Mr. and Mrs. William N. Curto, Ely; brother Leo Curto, Ely; two nephews, one niece, and three granddaughters.