Francis Albert McCullough III, loved family, nature

Francis Albert McCullough III, 67, lovingly known as Al, passed away peacefully Saturday morning, Nov. 15, 2025. Surrounded by family at his home in Denton, Md., he spent his final moments overlooking bald eagles nesting in autumn-clad trees along the Choptank River.

Born in Baltimore, Md., Al found his calling in nature during his Boy Scout years and undergraduate forestry studies. An engineer by training, he became a pioneer in the field of ecological restoration, dedicating his life to healing the earth he loved so deeply. Through his business, Sustainable Science, where he proudly worked alongside his son Seth, Al mentored countless colleagues who treasured his wisdom and guidance. His service extended far beyond his professional work. He donated months of his time to Engineers Without Borders, helping deliver clean drinking water to communities from Ethiopia to Brazil. 

Al’s greatest adventure was the life he built with his beloved wife of 43 years, Mary Beth McCullough “Beth.” Together they crossed the country by car, moved the entire family to Hawaii for a few wonderful years, and somehow launched a new business while planning a Costa Rica vacation. A few years ago, they purchased their dream property bordering Swallow Falls in Deep Creek, Md., where Al loved watching the fall foliage transform the mountains. In the summer of 2024, Al realized a decades-long dream when he traveled Europe for over a month with Beth and son Jesse to trace the paths of ancestors he had spent years meticulously researching.

Nothing brought Al more joy than his three lucky children, Rachel Parker (Dustin), Seth McCullough (Anna) and Jesse McCullough; and his three grandchildren, Avery Parker, Ford Parker and Sawyer McCullough. When Al received a devastating pancreatic cancer diagnosis just over a month ago, he met it with the same grace he brought to everything. He spent his final weeks ensuring each person he loved would be okay, sharing his wisdom and humor with everyone from his children to his doctors and nurses. Even on his last night, he kept his family laughing at his bedside.

Al lived each day by a Taoist principle he treasured: “Nature provides everything without requiring payment or thanks. It does so without discrimination. So let us present the same face to everyone and treat them all as equals, however they may behave.” This wasn’t just philosophy to Al; it was how he lived. To so many, Al was more than a colleague or friend. He was a second father, a second brother, someone who made everyone feel they belonged. His booming laugh could fill any room and put anyone at ease.

In recent weeks, Al often shared that “we are not human beings on a spiritual journey, but spiritual beings on a human journey,” wisdom he admitted came from a bumper sticker. With characteristic humor, he spoke of his “earth suit malfunctioning.” And while no longer here physically, his warmth, wisdom, and steady, loving presence will forever live in the hearts of all who knew him. He was a beautiful soul who will be deeply missed. 

Al is survived by his wife; his three children and their families; his dear siblings, Mary Ellen Dawson and David McCullough; and the countless lives he touched as mentor, colleague, and chosen family. He was predeceased by his parents, Francis Albert McCullough Jr. and Ruth Adele Kolb.

A celebration of life will be held in the spring.

If friends wish to send memorial donations in Albert’s honor, the family suggests Engineers without Borders or Compass Regional Hospice.

To offer online condolences, visit moorefuneralhomepa.com.