John F. Cullen – 65 – of 44 State St., Hornell, died Thursday morning (February 15, 2018) at his home, following a long illness.
Born in Hornell on July 14, 1952, he was the son of John & Marguerite (Furlong) Cullen.
John grew up in Hornell and was a graduate of Hornell High School (class of 1970). He later attended Fingerlakes Community College where he majored in Environmental Preservation.
He was a veteran of the US Air Force, serving his country from 1970 – 1974. While serving in the Air Force, John was stationed in many locations, including Thailand.
Following his honorable discharge from the Air Force, John returned to the Hornell area and had been employed at several local businesses, including Alstom, Corbin Wood Products, Gunlock Corporation and also worked in the maintenance department of the Canandaigua VA Hospital, Canandaigua, NY.
John had been a member of Our Lady of the Valley Parish and a communicant of St. Ignatius Loyola Church where, as a child, served as an Altar Boy. He was a member of the Hornell VFW and enjoyed cooking & baking.
In addition to his parents, John was preceded in death by his grandson, Cian Cullen.
He was married on February 4, 1994 to the former Jodie LaFave who survives. Also surviving are
2 daughters, Brandy (Mike Hall) Cullen of Tallahassee, FL and Holly Cullen of Tallahassee, FL; 1 son, Christopher Cullen of Hornell; 2 brothers, Joseph Cullen of Bath and Robert Cullen of Hornell; 3 sisters, Patty Kelleher of Hornell, Linda (Tom) Panter of Hornell and Mary Margaret Cullen of Painted Post; 2 grandsons, Cameron Smith and Isaiah Townsend; 2 granddaughters, Emily Cullen and Kiara Cullen; several nieces & nephews.
The family of John F. Cullen will receive friends on Monday from 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY. A Memorial Service with Military Honors will be held at the conclusion of calling hours at 6:00 PM with Deacon Robert McCormick officiating. Final interment will be in the Bath VA Cemetery.
John’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his name be made to the American Cancer Society, 13 Beech St., Johnson City, NY 13790. Memorial forms will be available at the Dagon Funeral home.
I was sorry to read about Johns death. I had fun playing basketball at the “Y” with John for St Ignatius, even won the championship once. e had a great sense of humor. I used to write him (anybody remember letters?) for advice about joining the AF, he went in two years before me.
RIP John, I have made a lot of mistakes in my life but being a friend to you was not one of them. I have a sad feeling today bu John is loking down saying “move on” as I would.
Anybody want to share a story about John I give the funeral home (Dagons) permission to release my email address.