John McCullagh, age 81, of Lansdale, passed away peacefully surrounded by the love of his family, after a courageous and long battle with cancer, on Tuesday, November 5, 2019. He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Helen McCullagh of 53 years on November 17, 2018.
Born February 18, 1938, in Carrickmore, Northern Ireland, he was the son of the late Patrick and Brigid McCullagh.
July 1954, at the young age of 16, John along with his parents and siblings moved to North Wales, Pennsylvania where they established their American roots.
John honorably served his country with the United States Army Reserves at the age of 18.
John was the beloved husband, father, son, brother, uncle, neighbor, friend and coach to all who knew him. He is most remembered by his contagious smile and Irish brogue. He was an avid sports fan with a passion for golf and soccer and love of cars.
John was a member of the McDermott Golf Association, where he received many memorial awards. In 1990 and 1993, he was awarded the Hole-in-One certificate by the National Hole in One Association. Soccer was his life long passion. He shared his passion of soccer as the head coach at Lansdale Catholic High School for many seasons leaving an indelible impression on his players. He led his team after many years of playing and as a referee to district title.
John worked for Temple University for more than 30 years before retiring in 2001 as lead electrician.
John faithfully served his church and the St. Stanislaus community as head usher and electrician for the summer festivals for many years.
John is survived by and was the loving father of two daughters, Helen McCullagh of Lansdale and Eileen Wagner of Naples, FL., loving grandfather to Joshua, Julia, Jacob, and Jonathan, loving brother to Mary Hoey, Peter McCullagh, Patrick (Sarah) McCullagh, Kathleen Weller, and loving uncle to many nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents and wife, John was preceded in death by his sister Bridget (Ciaran) McCrory and brother Michael McCullagh.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend his funeral Mass on Monday, November 11 at 11:00 at St. Stanislaus Catholic Church, 51 Lansdale Avenue. Lansdale, PA 19446 where the family will receive friends from 9:00-11:00 in Church prior to Mass. Burial will follow at Saint John Neumann Cemetery in Chalfont.
In lieu of flowers, donations in John’s memory nay be made to John’s family charitable organization, Helping Hands in Northeast c/o Covenant Bank 60 N. Main Street, Doylestown, PA 18901 or online at helpinghandsinnortheast.org.
“I promise no tomorrow
But today will always last
And since each day’s the same here
There’s no longing for the past.
So when tomorrow starts without
Me don’t think we’re far apart,
For every time you think if me I’m
Right here in your heart.”
David M. Romano
THE SUN ALWAYS WAS SHINING AROUND JOHN. SO WAS LAUGHTER.
I LOVED IT WHEN HE WAS TELLING A FUNNY STORY AND HE COULD NOT STOP LAUGHING HIMSELF. THE STORY LASTED FOR SOME TIME.
JOHN WAS GREAT
Eileen, Helen, Joshua, Julia, Jacob and Jonathan, we grieve with you at the loss of your beloved father/grandfather. Such a wonderful, caring man who would do anything for each of you or anyone else. It’s so sad that he is no longer with us yet we rejoice knowing he is no longer suffering but now with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ! A new body, free of cancer, reunited with your mother/grandmother who is also in her renewed body. We grieve for the times we can no longer make phone calls or give hugs yet we can look forward to knowing that as long as we believe in the birth, death and resurrection we will all see each other again! Death is not the end but just a short separation. Sending you our deepest sympathies.