Dean Craig Cullen

Biography

Dean Craig Cullen, beloved by his wife and family, died Tuesday on his birthday. He was 58 years old. His wife Jean was at his side, and he died in peace, at one with his Lord and savior Jesus Christ.

Dean was born March 2, 1952 in Queens, New York, the fifth child and second son of Dorothy and the late William H. Cullen Sr. He grew up in the village of Lindenhurst on Long Island. Dean was a fine athlete and an excellent student, and he went on to attend St. Lawrence University. In his early days he traveled extensively throughout the United States and Canada. Before moving to Syracuse, he worked as a sales executive in New York City.

Dean expressed his artistic talent through his many oil paintings, and he expressed his musical talent through playing the drums. He was an excellent percussionist. But his most important talent was his commitment to being a good and decent human being. He was a loyal and loving husband, son, brother and uncle. And he was a friend to many.

Some of Dean’s friends are among the severely disabled, with whom he worked for many years in Syracuse. Dean really was the type of person who would give someone in need “the shirt off of his back.” He proved this with his actions. But Dean was also a man of words who could tell some wild, wonderful and funny stories. And he was widely read, loving in particular the history of World War II.

Among those who will miss “Deano” are his very special friend Bill W. and the cats he loved so much, Gus and Simba.

A special note should be made about Dean’s wife, Jean Brogan Cullen. She brought so much joy and love into Dean’s life.

The family offers special thanks to Dr. Jonathan Wright and his wife, Marty, for their loving care and spiritual support.

Surviving in addition to his wife are his mother, Dorothy Cullen of Syracuse, N.Y.; three sisters, Carol Gaggin of Bohemia, N.Y., Leila Matthews of Brighton, N.Y., and Helen Bugaj (Tom) of DeWitt, N.Y.; three brothers, William H. Cullen Jr. (Holly) of Brattleboro, Vt., Warren Cullen (Anne) of Winston-Salem, N.C., and Donald Cullen (Sue) of East Syracuse, N.Y.

Dean is also survived by his loving nieces Lara Gaggin of Long Island, N.Y., Erika Bugaj of Washington, D.C., Alayna Cullen of Seattle, Wash., Chelsea Cullen of Cary, N.C., and Danielle and Robin Cullen of East Syracuse, N.Y. He is also survived by his loving nephews Derek and Brian Matthews of Wilmington, N.C., Dougal Cullen of Portland, Oregon, Matthew Bugaj of Asheville, N.C., Zachary Cullen of East Syracuse, N.Y., and Maxwell Cullen of Winston-Salem, N.C. His niece Lara’s son Patrick also survives.

Services will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, March 6, 2010, at Reformed Presbyterian Church, 2517 S. Salina Street, Syracuse, New York. There will be a private burial.

Calling hours will be 4:00 - 7:00 p.m., Friday, March 5, 2010 at Ballweg & Lunsford Funeral Home, Inc., 4612 S. Salina Street, Syracuse, New York.

Contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, PO Box 7, East Syracuse, New York 13207.