Curtis Allen Lehman
August 1, 1955 ~ April 23, 2017
Curtis A. Lehman, 61, of Weirton passed away on Sunday April 23, 2017, after a six-month battle with a glioblastoma.
Born on August 1, 1955 in Connellsville, PA, Curt was a son of Curtis A. Lehman of Weirton, WV and the late Emma Lou Lint Lehman.
After graduating from Weir High School, Curt, a talented musician, taught and played guitar in local bands. In the mid-eighties, Curt purchased Music City in Steubenville, OH and operated the store until he became the president of Prestige Pawn Shop, Inc. in Chester and Weirton, WV, where he worked in the Weirton location for the last 22 years.
Good food, good wine, good cigars, good guitars and cars were Curts passions in life, and nothing better than combining all of them with family, friends, and the Outer Banks of North Carolina.
In addition to his father, Curt is survived by his loving wife Joan Mendola Lehman, whom he married on May 21, 1977; his twin sons, Josh and his wife Tara of Imperial, PA, and Cole and his wife Leslie of South Point, OH; his sister, Dawn (Eric) Drake; a brother, Doug (Leann) Lehman all of Weirton, WV; and a brother, Matt (Lois Constant) Willson of Castle Shannon, PA; and his two female grand puppies, Zero and Nova.
Private services will be held at the convenience of his family.
Cremation arrangements are under the care of Greco Hertnick Funeral Home 3219 Main Street Weirton.
Share tributes at www.grecohertnick.com 304 748 3219
We’ll see you later, Uncle Curt. Love you forever. ?
We love you so much, Uncle Curt. Never ‘goodbye’, always ‘see you later’.
Joan..i worked with you at Krogers years ago as Linda Brown…i am so very sorry you lost Curt…i know how painful losing a husband can be…my prayers to you and your boys…God be with you…
I am very sorry to read of Curt’s passing. I remember when I was a kid, he would come to my parents house on Marlamont with his guitar and his friends and he and his band would give us a concert. He was friends with my sisters, mainly my sister George Ann. I liked all the guys that would come visit, but Curt was special. I just recently found out that I pass his house when I take my son to piano lessons. I was always hoping to see him out in his yard to tell him after all these years, I still had very pleasant memories of him when he was in high school. Unfortunately, I didn’t get that opportunity. I’m sure he is now making music in Heaven. I’m so glad that I had the privilege of knowing Curt, even though it was such a long time ago. My sympathy goes out to his wife, his children and all that he loved and cared about. May you find peace knowing he is now performing for God.????????????????
So sorry for your loss. God Bless you and hold you in his arms while going through this difficult time. God Bless you all.
Joan and family, we are so sorry to hear about your loss, you are all in our prayers.
Joan, Josh and Cole, Words can’t express how very sorry I am to hear of Curt’s passing. He was truly a gentleman and great human being. Rest in Peace Curt and make beautiful music up there. God Bless and love to all. Way too soon.
We’ve lost the ‘Leader of the band’. Love you so much brother. We’ll see you on the other side. Jim & Jude
On the wings of angels God bless you all
Joan , Josh and Cole, I am so sorry for your loss. i pray that God will give you strength to help you through such a terrible time. God Bless you all, Sincerely Ronnie & Donna Cipriani
Although I did not have the pleasure of knowing Josh and Cole, I hope you (along with your mother) accept mine and Denise’s sincerest sympathy and prayers. I met Curt when we were probably 15-16 and I was a wannabe guitar player and he was already the real thing. I will miss his playing, warm smile and always pleasant and interesting conversation. Pat and Denise Bennett
Condolences to the family. Curt was not only a talented musician but a talented human being. He will be missed.
There must have been a need in heaven for a new musical soul; The Lord blessed us with Curt’s inspiring musical spirit and outgoing, dynamic personality. He was a teacher of his craft, and he shared his gifts with all who met him. He could sing with his hands; he taught with his honesty. We were children when we met, young and naive–Curt showed me a world I never knew existed; taught me to feel with my ears, listen with my heart–he opened my ears so that I could hear and feel the music and beauty that is all around us. He taught me to see, not with my eyes; but my ears. We grew distant as men, but never have I forgotten the gifts Curt gave me. Curt gave his music and his heart to everyone around him and you could hear his soul every time he played. God may have called his musician home, but we are all so much larger for the gifts that he has left us. Play the next song Curt, you will be missed, but your music can never leave us. John
The Lehman Family, The legacy that Curt leaves for family and friends will not soon be forgotten. He enriched the lives of each person who knew him. A genuine person, filled with talent and knowledge, that he enjoyed sharing with others. We value his friendship and will miss him. Our heartfelt sympathy and continued prayers. In Christian love, Duane and Lori Jones
So sorry to hear of Curt’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. He was such a talented and caring person that will be greatly missed.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Curt was always to joy to hang around and perform with. Our deepest sympathy to the families.
Joan, I recently met you in Krogers about a year ago. I told you how good looking I remembered Curt to be from high school but didn’t know him well. I am so very sorry for loss. My heart goes out to you and all of curt’s family. I lost my hubby at this age two years ago so I can empathize for sure. Prayers for all of you. ????????
So sorry to hear about the passing of Curt, my condolences go out to his family. Many years ago for whatever reason Curt was very instrumental in helping me learn about playing guitar and music, he also inspired me, as to the care and respect for the instruments. He suffered having to listen to a lot of us novice players coming into the store picking up a guitar and proceeding to play music that was not coherent or very well executed. I was one of the lucky players to have him come from behind the counter sit with me and help me see what I was doing wrong without prodding, preaching or belittling my abilities. So to Curt, I say thank you from the bottom of my heart for your time and patience and positive criticism. May God Bless and keep you. RIP
My prayers are with you all, Curt taught me guitar when he was the owner of music city. I was always amazed how talented he was.
You are so loved and will be greatly missed Uncle Curt. Thank you for the music and the memories which we cherish. I hope Zoe was waiting for you on the rainbow bridge ready for her walk.
Our whole family is shocked and saddened by the news of Curt’s passing. I remember him as a great guy and we talked about our love of wine. we enjoyed hearing him play. We will surely miss him. Our condolences to Joan and the rest of the family.
The Eric Clapton of the Ohio Valley known since the 7th grade have done business with Curt as the road manager for Wham for years . Great Human Being
Joan, Josh and Cole,
I am so very sorry for your loss, Curt was a great person and always so nice. My thoughts and prayers go out to all of you. Please find peace and comfort in your happy memories and knowing Curt is at peace with God now.
From the members of WHAM and appreciated of his musicianship for a lifetime
I was so sad to hear of Curt’s passing. My sincere condolences to Joan, and the entire family. May he Rest in Peace. Charlie Pappas
Joan, Josh, and Cole I am so sorry for your loss. Curt was a great guy and a wonderful boss at Music City. He will be greatly missed. Prayers and best wishes to your family.
He was a great man. Always took the time to answer the questions that my guitarist and I came up with. He cut me breaks when he didn’t have to and always treated my friends and I very well. Deeply sorry for your loss. Ill honestly miss him a lot.
What would the music scene in the 70’s and 80’s have been like around here without Curt Lehman. Such warmth and energy. Amazing talent and humble demeanor. Although we were practically the same age, he was someone that you could aspire to be. Set a high example with his talent and by the type of person he was. Always respectful of others and had a classy self confidence that was a bar to live up to, as was his musicianship. A joy to be around. Already miss you Curt! Godspeed.
Joan and all of the Lehman Family, We are so sorry to hear of Curt’s passing. He was a very special person and we always had fun with him. Even though his has left this world we know he is in all of our hearts and minds. Know that our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Joan, Cole, Josh, Dad and all the Lehman family, Curt gave so much to all of us. He was the music man, my political sparing partner, my friend in need, the rock that so often held me up. I will hold the memories of all the love, laughter and tears that we shared through so many years in my heart forever. RIP dear brother and may God hold you close in peace forever. I love you. Jaci
Curt influenced so many of the young musicians in the Ohio Valley. His incredible talent as a guitar player, all the terrific bands he was a part of, and then Music City where he’d help equip all of us with the latest gear. He had a class and aura about him that one could respect and was a genuinely terrific person. I know from talking with a few musician friends, WE are so upset about his leaving far too soon and can only offer thanks and admiration to his memory and condolences to his Wife and family. Our collective guitars gently weep.
Dear Joan, Josh and cole and family. I am so sorry for your loss, of this wonderful person that we were are blessed to know. Everytime I stopped in shop Curt was always so nice. Sometimes he would be playing guitar. Now he is making music in Heaven. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. God Bless you all. With Love Linda Drazic Cutri
My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. Curt was such a good guy and very humble. He was “The Best” guitarist in the tri-state area but he never let it go to his head. He set high standards for himself but was always friendly and respectable and carried himself well. He was liked by so many people. Wish we had more like him in the world. I will always remember this man for all the good he has done in the world. RIP Curt, you will be missed.
Curt will be missed . He touched so many lives with his music . He was the “Best” . My brothers Dave and Dino Buffington and I , all knew him from Music City . He always made you laugh and treated you with such kindness. Our prayers are with you and your family …we know how heartbroken you must be . There are No words we can say to ease the pain ….May God carry you through this time…
Dear Joan, Josh, and Cole: Curt and I have been friends since the 70’s. He was a great influence in my life. I wouldn’t be playing music today if not for my time with Curt. There are countless licks that I play that are directly related to the days and evenings we played music together. I always enjoyed his company and will sorely miss him. This is a sad time for all of us.
This comes as such a huge shock. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family. Keeping you all in our thoughts and Prayers much love! May God Help you through this tough time!
To Joan and family, I will always remember Curt as a friend, mentor, and a fellow musician. My prayers for you all is to ask God to bring you comfort in some form at this time. It’s important to celebrate Curt’s life and for all who were touched by him in some way, to know that he is no longer in pain. All my love and prayers to you!
When I was a kid, Curt would let me hang around in his store for HOURS, just looking at guitars and equipment, wishing I had the money to buy something nice to play. I loved PRS guitars, so when I was 17 I put one on layaway with him, giving him $10 a week to try to pay it off, sometimes I had a little more, but not often. I got to $400 finally, on an $800 guitar, and he sent me home with it. “You’re good for the rest.” Man, it was like Christmas, and I was good for every penny. I learned to appreciate the craft of music from Curt, and as a 20-something, would rather play jazz and practice modes than learn AC/DC songs. I still have that guitar, and guaranteed I’ll be playing Four tonight in Curt’s memory. RIP.
My deepest sympathy to Curt’s family and friends. I hope to see you on the other side my friend.
Lovely guy….full of knowledge and very funny. It was a pleasure to know him. See ya soon…
My deepest condolences to Curt’s entire family. I will always remember Curt and think of him with fondly. I’m so sorry for your loss.
So sorry for your loss.Curt was a very nice man. MY deepest sympathies to you and your family.
So sorry for your loss,he has been a friend since before music city. A very kind hearted soul that will never b forgotten.
To Joan and the Lehman family, I am shocked and saddened by your loss. Reading all the wonderful comments about what an incredibly talented musician he was reminded me of when he was first learning to play guitar. He complained his wrist hurt so he didn’t want to practice. His mom thought he was just giving an excuse trying to get out of practice so she made him play anyway. She felt so bad once she learned he had actually broken his wrist! What a beginning to an amazing journey. My deepest sympathy and prayers to you all.
My sincerest condolences to Joan and family on Curt’s passing. I am so sad to learn of this. Curt was a great friend, and though I have been gone from the Weirton area for decades our friendship still meant a lot to me. Curt was a kind and generous person, and taught me a great deal about playing guitar, and inspired me with his awesome playing. He was so much fun to be around, and I will always have a special place in my heart for his memory.
Joan, Your late husband Curt and your brother in law Eric Drake both taught me how to play the guitar when I was a teenager. I am very sorry to read of his passing.
My condolences to the Lehman family. I remember Curt from Music City where he was always very helpful and honest with me. I also admired his musical talent. I am friends with Eric and Dawn Drake,
My mother (Sue Sayre) and I send our condolences to the Lehman family. I went to school with both of his sons & my mom (Sue Sayre) worked with his wife Joan at Krogers for over 15 years. So very sorry for your loss, he was a great man and will be very missed.
The world lost such a wonderful guy! My mother (Karen McCay) and I send our condolences.Curt was always pretty great to my family, and I’ve known Joan for years (through Kroger). We’re so sorry to hear he lost the same battle my dad lost a few years ago. He will surely be missed.
My deepest condolences, sorry for your loss.
Our deepest sympathy on your tremendous loss. Curt will be greatly missed. I was glad to have him as a good friend and will miss him very much and liked listening to his music and always enjoyed talking to him and going into the Prestige Pawn Shop, which will not be the same without him. Our prayers and thoughts are with you and your family. God Bless You All.
My condolences for your great loss. He was a wonderful preson. Respect and Honor Forever.
Joan and family, With great sadness I send my condolences to you. Don’t stop playing Curt. We weren’t done listening.
Prayers go out to the family
Josh and Cole send my deepest condolences.. u and ur entire family are in my thoughts and prayers
Had some Great times in the old days, will miss you Curt. Prayers and Blessings to All.
Right after Christmas, when the full impact of Curt’s impossible to comprehend future was painfully presented to us, I found this poem by John Updike that made me feel as if it had been written just for Curt. Perfection Wasted And another regrettable thing about death is the ceasing of your own brand of magic, which took a whole life to develop and market — the quips, the witticisms, the slant adjusted to a few, those loved ones nearest the lip of the stage, their soft faces blanched in the footlight glow, their laughter close to tears, their tears confused with their diamond earrings, their warm pooled breath in and out with your heartbeat, their response and your performance twinned, The jokes over the phone. The memories packed in the rapid access file. The whole act. Who will do it again? That’s it: no one; imitators and descendants aren’t the same. Curt was truly a “Magic Man” in so many ways, and anyone who met him couldn’t help but love him. Mark
I’ve had the honor and privilege of knowing Curt, and calling him my dearest friend, for almost 35 years, that is to say, for as long as I’ve been married, as my wife, Pelly, had introduced me to Joan and Curt those many years ago. Thankfully then, I have a multitude of memories I will cherish until we meet again. I loved our “dinner chats”, where we were both confident in the fact that, whether we agreed on the topic of the evening or not, the former most often being the case, we respected, valued, and understood each other’s viewpoint and would wax philosophically for hours, ruminating over such subjects as, first and foremost, music…, politics, religion, (I can count on one hand the friends and acquaintances I summoned the courage with whom I could even think about discussing these two with, i.e., One!); add to that finance, economics, architecture, WINE, (he taught me most of what I know), cigars, rare coins, jewelry…..the list goes on. He is truly a genius. (Forgive me as I’ve not yet been able to think of him in past tense). When Curt found an area of interest that fascinated him, he’d read, research, and study the topic until he utterly and completely became the “resident expert”, if you will, and couldn’t wait to share his new found knowledge and expertise with his friends!! He is, undeniably, the Smartest guy in the room!! He could peruse a textbook on a specific subject and, if he chose to, could teach the course, WITHOUT QUESTION, at any academic level. Every time I enter my living room, Curt is present. He taught and helped me to completely remodel the room. Every time I sit behind my Yamaha Studio Classic drums, Curt is present, (he sold me those drums, I will cherish them forever). I miss my friend. I will miss him every day of my life until we meet again. The last thing I asked him, I hope he heard me as I whispered in his ear, was to save me a place in the band…I love and miss you my brother. CJ
It’s impossible to express in a paragraph or page, how deep a hole has been left in my heart by Curt’s passing. There is a lifetime of memories, but some of the best were made onstage with this incredibly talented man. He was and will always remain my favorite guitar player. He was an inspiration for all us who had the privilege of sharing the stage with him. He lifted us all to a higher plane with his sweet sound and bore us on the wings of his musical flight. How do you describe all of the beauty this man’s soul revealed during his lifetime? Heaven is all the sweeter for his residency there. Rest in peace, Curt.
Saddened to hear of Kurt’s passing. I met him in 1973 when we both worked at Music City. He was a great player and a great guy. I have a tape he and I made in ’73 that I will hold close.
Dearest Joan, Cole and Josh.
Theodore ,Rayni Claire and I want you to know your family has been in our thoughts and prayers since we found out from our Mom. Curt was always a fine man of quality&genuine kindness. Truest heartfelt sympathies for your great loss.Alesia&TedModecki
My condolences to Curt’s family for your loss. My friends and I used to go to see Curt’s band Transit play back in the 80’s. What a great show he and they would put on every time. Saw him at the music store and the pawn shop. He always took the time to bust out a few licks on the guitar for me. What a kind soul he was. God bless you Curt and your family. Rest in peace my friend.
Dear Joan and the entire Lehman family. I spent so many years hanging out at Curt’s parents house. He and my brother were friends and I idolized them both as a child. I remember many an afternoon spent listening to “band practice” My favorite band name was the Zero band…somehow I even had a tee with that name on it…I really cannot remember how it came to be but I loved that silly shirt. I was always proud to say to folks whenever Curt’s name was mentioned that I grew up just up the block from him. I shared with Dawn about a time I remember she and I were bugging him while he was working on music or writing some music…and were had literally invaded his room….he was so kind and gentle when he ran us off so he could be in peace….Curt you will always be in my memory as the cool older kid who could do magical things with a guitar
I wanted to not only offer prayers for peace and comfort for the family, but to take a moment to let you know how Curt has a special place in my memories. He taught me how to play guitar in the late 70’s, broadened my musical world and no matter how long it had been, always remembered me. Just a few months ago I was excited to find online videos of a band performing and there was Curt on guitar. I couldn’t wait to show my wife and kids my guitar instructor that I had told them about over the years. My only guitars are still the ones I bought from Curt. So saddened to now know what he must have been going through when I found those videos. Maybe it was God’s way of having one more person thinking of him during that difficult time. May God bless and strengthen your family.
Dear Lehman Family, I had the privilege to meet Curt when I was very young at Music City. Curt has always been a Friend, Inspiration and Mentor to myself and so many musicians in the area. When I think of Curt, these words come to mind; Genuine, Caring, Compassionate, Super Smart and Gifted with a Great Sense of Humor. it’s so important to know what a positive impact Curt had on so many people and how deeply he will be missed.I will hold great memories in my heart forever. All of our Love, Tom Means and Family
I’m so sorry for your loss. I have many fond memories of Curt and Hiatus, and the good ol’ 70’s. My deepest sympathy to his family.
A force enters your life and you are changed forever after. That is the impact that Curt has had on so many and myself. Joan, Josh, and Cole; Carla and I cannot express the sorrow that we feel for the loss of this gifted man, husband, father, friend. Our hearts ache, we do not the right words of comfort, but know we will be there for you and we will cherish many memories. Memories in the Outer Banks where friends became family and sightings of ‘pool boy’ or ‘Jimmy Lay’ were anticipated and treasured. Memories of nights anticipating a great new restaurant with a ‘cocktail’ beforehand that Curt so expertly prepared. Memories of his music and performances where he spoke thru his guitar and we all listened and knew that we were experiencing something special, something at times, not of this world. We all wanted more. I will miss my friend, mentor, bandmate, brother.
For Joan and family……. I just received this news. Although you knew me as Matt Falasca I haven’t had that name for almost 30 years. Curt was the only person that saw any good or talent in me at a desperate time in my life when I was a socially inept child in an irreparable family. He overlooked my negative traits and taught me to play guitar which gave me the self esteem I desperately needed at the time. I remember how happy I was when you and Curt moved across the street from me when I was a child and when I painted your garage to earn a guitar at his shop. I have never forgotten him and I thank Gd he was placed in my life when he was. Although he was known for his musical talents, I will remember him as the first one to bring any goodness out of me. I was blessed to have him in my life and may his memory forever be a blessing…
So sorry to hear of Curt’s passing. Love and prayers extended to his family. Richard and Peggy Lint
Curt came across the gully to hear our band rehearse, I was 14 he was 9. I didn’t continue in a band I reentered the music world in college curricullum and ran into curt again at his music store while I played drums in the country explosion. I’ve been shopping at the pawn shop through the years including some guitar buys. The stop at the shop had been a favorite, curt’s curtious ,considerate ,respectful manor made it that way . I miss you Curt.
Curt was my guitar teacher back in the 80’s. He made me the besticould be. Infact, he had enough confidence in me where he gave me all his students while at music city.
I would call him in between lessons and ask him questions about my lesson.
I have good memories of Curt. I wanted to be as good as him but fell short.
Always feel blessed to have known him.