Curtiss Brazil, age 45, a Special Education Administrator at Northwestern High School in Baltimore City, died at the University of Maryland Medical Center on Monday, January 22, 2007, of complications following coronary bypass surgery.
Curtiss was born in Akron, Ohio to the late Charles Sr. and Odevene Brazil. He accepted Christ at an early age through the ministry of Phillips Chapel C.M.E., in Akron. He graduated from Central-Hower High School where his love and talent for music led him to the Choir, marching band, and appearances in several stage productions, including “Godspell”, where he performed a solo, “Prepare ye the way of the Lord.”
After earning his undergraduate degree in Visual Science and Technology from Bowling Green State University in Ohio, he embarked on a sales and marketing career with the Saginaw News in Michigan. He then left the Midwest for a sales and marketing position on the East Coast with Eveready Battery Company. With a territory that included the Baltimore-Washington area, he settled in Baltimore, MD and began creating and nurturing an extended family of friends and colleagues.
In the early 90s, he changed careers, becoming a teacher at Deep Creek Middle School in Baltimore County. It was there that he developed his passion for working with students with special needs. He earned a Masters of Science degree in Special Education from Johns Hopkins University and began applying that expertise to the education process required by Federal, State and local mandates. With the goal of someday becoming a Principal, he worked tirelessly at all levels and for many schools including; Sudbrook Magnet Middle, Woodlawn High, Deer Park Middle and Kenwood High School. He also served briefly as an administrator at the WVSA/SAIL Public Charter School in Washington, D.C.
Last summer, he joined the Baltimore City Public School system as an IEP team associate. Affectionately known as “Mr. Brazil,” his captivating dimpled smile and sense of humor made him an instant favorite of students, teachers, parents and administrators. His commitment went well beyond the complex education procedures he mastered; he took a personal interest in his students, creating avenues to reward good students, and mentoring African American male students who needed a role model.
Curtiss was an avid traveler, skier, and lover of the Arts; especially music. Listen to Macy Gray, Mica Paris, Natalie Cole, Toni Braxton or Corinne Bailey Rae, and you’ll enjoy music just as he did. Trips to his favorite destinations like Las Vegas, Atlantic City, and the Caribbean with close friends created wonderful memories and maintained friendships; many dating back to his high school days. Over the years, he had been an active member of an investment club, a bowling league and softball team in the District of Columbia. With his friends from the “Unity” family, he helped support one needy family every holiday season for several years.
To be invited to sample his baking skills at Christmas was a treat anxiously awaited by those fortunate enough to experience his talent. He touched many lives with his love, generosity and friendship and will be sadly missed.
The memory of Curtiss Brazil, “that’s spelled like the country,” as he was fond of saying, is kept in the hearts, minds and spirits of: his two brothers Stanley C. Brazil and Kevin Brazil (Voncille), numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nephews, nieces, godchildren and devoted friends. Curtiss’ homecoming was preceded by his parents Charles Sr. and Odevene Brazil, his brother Charles Jr., his sister Rosemary and his nephew.
Labels: akron, Baltimore, brazil, Curtiss, curtiss brazil. fells point, scholarship, special education
