REDWOOD, NY — Joseph F. Cullen, Sr., 77, of Simpson Road, Redwood, NY passed away Wednesday night at Samaritan Medical Center, Watertown.
Born Sept. 17, 1941, in Watertown, NY, a son of Arthur and Marie Krupcale Cullen, he graduated from Alexandria Central School and then entered the New York State Police Academy, graduating on June 23, 1966.
He became a New York State Trooper, working out of barracks in Clarence, Plattsburgh, Canton, Watertown, and Alexandria Bay. He retired on Jan. 6, 1988.
Joe married Catherine A. Naumann in Alexandria Bay on June 30, 1979.
Following his retirement, he continued his passion for woodworking, gardening, and making maple syrup.
He was an avid outdoorsman. Joe was an active leader for the Boy Scouts of American for almost 30 years, as well as Scoutmaster for Troop 65 for ten years and a member of the Tri-Rivers District Committee, Longhouse Council BSA, Syracuse, NY. Joe was a Silver Beaver recipient for the National Council, BSA, and a Vigil Honor Member of Lowanne Nimat Order of the Arrow Lodge, BSA’s National Honor Camping Society.
Joe is survived by his wife Catherine; two sons, Joseph F. Jr. (Tanya) Cullen, Redwood, NY, and Zachary (Kimbrie) Cullen, Redwood, NY; daughters, Christine (Steve) Garrett, Mexico, NY, Catherine (Gerard) Briscoe, Mahopac, NY, Cynthia (Robert) Nelson, Alexandria Bay, NY, and Cheryl (David) VanBrocklin, Alexandria Bay, NY; 18 grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren; and a brother, John (Sharon) Cullen, Alexandria Bay, NY.
Calling hours will be held 6 to 9 p.m. Monday, Oct. 29, at Costello Funeral Home. The funeral Mass will be said 11 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 30, at St. Cyril’s Catholic Church in Alexandria Bay, with Fr. Douglas Comstock officiating.
The family extends its sincere and utmost gratitude to those who have donated the gift of their blood over the years, knowing that it was the blood that Joe received that helped him survive and live with quality during many months of his illness.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Longhouse Council of Boy Scouts of America 2803 Brewerton Rd., Syracuse, NY 13211, or to the Alexandria Bay Ambulance, 110 Walton St., Alexandria Bay, NY 13607.
In addition, the family respectfully requests that those who are able, please take the time to donate their blood to the American Red Cross so that others can benefit from your gift.
Online condolences may be made at www.costellofuneralservice.com
