It is with great sadness that the Cullen Family announces the passing of Joseph Cullen, Sr. whom we all loved and adored. Joseph “Big Joe” Cullen Sr., age 81, of Lansdale, PA died on Sunday, December, 13, 2020, at his home of 50 years, comfortable and surrounded by his loving family.
He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Patricia A. Cullen (nee O’Hara), his children Edward Cullen (Vera), Patricia Parks (Dave), Maureen Persin (George) , Megan Gordon (Jeffrey), Anne Corso (Matthew), Joseph Cullen, Jr. (Laura) and Bridget Cullen. His grandchildren, whom he cherished, Shane Cullen, Mia Cullen, Grace Cullen and Edward Cullen, Timothy Parks, Kelly Parks, George Persin, Kathryn Persin, Patrick Persin, Jack Gordon, Madeline Gordon, Jeffrey Gordon, Meghan Corso, Matthew Corso, Kevin Corso and Audrey Cullen.
He is also survived by his siblings, The Most Reverend Edward Cullen and John Cullen. He was predeceased by his brother James Cullen, his sister Joan Brady and his granddaughter Kayla Corso, who he referred to as “his angel.”
He was in the first graduating class of Monsignor Bonner High School (Class of 1957). He then attended Villanova University graduating in 1961 with an accounting degree. Joe was a proud member of the United States Marine Corp attaining the rank of Lance Corporal. He met and married Patricia O’Hara on October 20, 1962. She was the love of his life. Early in his career, he worked at Film Corporation of America, IBM, and Price Waterhouse. He then went on to start his own company selling customized telecommunication wire.
He was a dedicated father of seven children and would proudly tell you all of them had college degrees. He encouraged and supported his wife while she pursued higher education. He loved his summer home in Avalon, NJ, as it was a gathering place for him to spend time with his family and hold court to discuss the events of the day. He was an avid Eagles fan and loved watching Villanova basketball with his children and grandchildren.
He was a man of strong Catholic faith and held a deep devotion to the Blessed Mother. He was longtime Parishioner of Corpus Christi Church in Upper Gwynedd and a part-time parishioner of St. Brendan the Navigator (formerly Maris Stella) in Avalon, NJ. He believed strongly in Catholic education and believed his success in life was directly attributable to his Catholic education.
He was referred to as Big Joe, not only due to his large stature but his even larger than life personality. You always knew what Big Joe was thinking, he had an uncanny sense of humor and took the Irish art of teasing to a new level. His life revolved around his faith and family. His kindness and generosity extended beyond his family and he will be forever missed.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend Joseph’s Funeral Mass on Friday, December 18, 2020 at 11:00 AM at Corpus Christi Catholic Church, 900 Sumneytown Pike, Lansdale, PA 19446, where the family will receive friends beginning at 9:30 AM. Interment St. John Neumann Cemetery in Chalfont. All attendees are asked to follow CDC guidelines regarding Social Distancing and the Wearing of Masks. For the safety and health of all, please refrain from physical contact when visiting with the Cullen family and others.
In lieu of flowers donations in Joseph’s name may be made to Corpus Christi Church, at the address above. Please note with your donation “In Memory of Joseph A. Cullen Sr.”