Michael Anthony Curtis

Michael A. Curtis, born January 27, 1941, in Phoenix, Arizona, passed away, leaving a life marked by public service, intellectual curiosity, and a deep love for Arizona.

He was the only son of Francis I. and Mary K. Curtis and is survived by his sister, Mary P. Honey, and his two daughters, Michelle Curtis Harris of San Francisco and Mary Katherine Curtis of Phoenix and three grandchildren.

Raised in Arizona, Michael spent much of his youth working on family farms and ranches and remained a cowboy at heart throughout his life. He loved horses, the outdoors, and the spirit of the West. He was also an artist in temperament, with a lifelong passion for philosophy, poetry, books, music, and good food, and was an early partner in Scottsdale's Red Dog Saloon. He was known for his thoughtful conversation and habit of sending many he know annotated copies of his favorite books.

He attended St. Francis Xavier, graduated from Brophy College Preparatory, studied at Santa Clara University, and earned his business and law degrees from the University of Arizona. Admitted to the Arizona Bar in 1966, he built a distinguished legal career focused on public power, water, and municipal law.

Michael served for many years as Executive Secretary and later General Counsel to the Arizona Municipal Power Users’ Association and was active nationally with the American Public Power Association, where he received the Harold Kramer National Recognition Award. In 1998, he authored Public Power in Arizona.

He was a longtime member of the Phoenix Country Club and St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church. He will be remembered for his sharp mind, independent spirit, and enduring love for Arizona.

As an alternative to flowers, please consider making a gift to elementary school scholarship fund at St. Francis Xavier Parish. (https://www.osvhub.com/sfxphx/giving/funds).

A Mass will be celebrated at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, 4715 N Central Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85012, on Friday, February 27, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. Burial to follow at St. Francis Catholic Cemetery, 2033 N. 48th Street, Phoenix, Arizona 85008.