BRIAR CREEK TOWNSHIP -- Hundreds gathered Monday in the Berwick area to honor Pennsylvania's winningest high school football coach.
But at his funeral, those who knew and loved George Curry remembered the six-time state champion for so much more than just his success on the football field.
A crowd of people lined up on a cold wet morning. Weather like this would never have kept these same people away from a Berwick football game in the fall. It certainly couldn't keep them from saying farewell to Berwick's legendary coach George Curry. He passed away Friday.
"He was a lot more than just football. He was Mr. Berwick," said Joe Sieckor. "He would take the time to help anybody."
"He meant everything to Berwick, not just the football players. He meant everything to the other students. He helped everybody," said Joanne Steward.
Everyone who came to St. Mary's Church near Berwick had some Coach Curry connection.
Some members of his last team filed in together. They are among a brotherhood of football players past and present who seemed to know him best, and that was so much more than just a coach on the sidelines.
"Football is last," said Berwick Area sophomore Chase Strother. "He cared about everything else, like your grades, how your day went. It was a lot more than just football."
Friends say Coach Curry went to church at St. Mary's almost every day and on this last time at this church, so many people came to say farewell and pay tribute to his mantra: God, family, football.
"He blessed so many," said former Berwick player Gus Felder. "Talk about being a Christian, he took everything he had and put in on everyone else and changed lives in a positive way."
Felder was one of many former star players to return.
"The outcome we see today, that was awesome. I know he's smiling and looking and how he's changed guys couldn't make it out, but it was great to see everyone who came out," Felder said.
"I feel really fortunate that I could get here and be part of the day, just to humbly pay my respects to a great man and wish my best to the family," said former Berwick player Ron Powlus.
Berwick superstar Ron Powlus felt he needed to be there for the man who was much more than his coach.
"The way he cared for the people, the way he cared for our families, the way he supported people who had nothing to do with football, that's what made him special and that's why so many people in town are here today," Powlus added.
With only two hours of visitation, there wasn't time for everyone lined up to get in. Everyone was invited to a celebration of Curry's life after the funeral.
