Robert McCullagh, all about family
Robert McCullagh, known to his family and friends as Bob, Pop and Papa, passed away in the company of his family Wednesday, Nov. 21, 2018. He was born May 17, 1936, in Brooklyn, N.Y., son of Robert and Lillian McCullagh.
Bob grew up in Chatham, N.J., and spent his summers at Culver’s Lake in Branchville, N.J., with his twin sister Sally. He loved sports and played baseball, soccer and basketball in high school. After graduation, he joined the U.S. Marine Corps in 1954 and served in Korea. Upon his return, he attended the University of Bridgeport in Connecticut, where he studied electrical engineering and business administration. He was a soccer player for the UB team and played in their first ever NCAA soccer championship in 1959. Later in his life, he was inducted into the University of Bridgeport Athletic Hall of Fame for his years and skills as a soccer player.
It was at UB where he met the love of his life, Jeanne Marilyn Taylor. They married June 25, 1960, and moved to the Trumbull, Conn. area, where they raised their family. Always a family man and willing to lend a hand, Bob was involved in many church and school activities. He was the president of the Trumbull High School Marching Band’s band parents’ association for two years. He attended multiple school football games (to see his daughter cheerlead), track meets, field hockey games, gymnastic meets, band performances, choir concerts, college parents’ weekends, graduations, weddings and the birthday celebrations of his grandchildren. Bob was about family. He loved to spend time with his kids and grandchildren, attending their activities and sports games. He especially loved driving his convertible in the Orleans, Mass. Fourth of July Parade as the ambassador for his daughter’s store, The Compass Rose Book Shop. His wife and daughters also have many fond memories of summer camping trips in their Cox pop-up camper in several of the New England state parks.
He enjoyed reading a good book, was an avid golfer, and enjoyed a sunny day at the beach soaking in the sunshine. Bob’s humor - the dry, witty kind - was well known. He could make a room full of people laugh with just a few words. He was a happy man in any circumstance. One could see the twinkle in his eyes, the kindness in heart, and the joy he felt just being in your presence. His love is a gift we will all treasure.
His working career was spent at Xerox, where he excelled for 34 years in sales and consulting. Having spent 27 years in Trumbull, he and Jeanne moved to Brewster, Mass., prior to his retirement. They spent 25 years on the Cape, where he embraced the life of a “wash-a-shore!” He enjoyed clamming, sandy beaches, cocktails on the deck with good friends and family, clam bakes, outdoor band concerts, and a good, cold beer. In the last three years, Bob and Jeanne relocated to Delaware, and quickly embraced the offerings of their new shoreline community.
Bob was always smiling, had a positive attitude, and a kind and gentle spirit that made those in his presence always feel loved. No matter the circumstances, including the last few days of his life where he battled an acute heart condition, when asked how he was, he would reply, “Super plus two!” He was rich in what mattered most - his family and his gratitude for all he had.
Bob is survived by his devoted wife of 58 years, Jeanne; his four daughters, Caryn Case of Harwich, Mass. (Will), Susan John of Middleburg, Fla. (Randy), Linda Carpenter of Wilmington (Aaron) and Sandra Butler of Madison, Conn. (Rob); two nieces, Melissa Taylor of Schuylerville, N.Y. (Paul) and Amy Ridlon of Proctor, Vt. (Josh); and multiple grandchildren, grand-nieces and grand-nephews, Will and Sarah Case, Megan Carpenter, Danny Butler, and Liam, Evan and Gracyn Ridlon.
A Memorial Service will be held Friday, Dec. 7, at 11 a.m., at St. George's Chapel, 20271 Beaver Dam Road, Harbeson. Entombment will take place after the services, at 1 p.m., at Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 26669 Patriots Way, Millsboro. Arrangements are being handled by Parsell Funeral Homes and Crematorium, Lewes.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions in Bob's memory to the Wounded Warrior Project, PO Box 758517, Topeka, KS 66675.
Please visit Bob's Life Memorial Webpage and sign his online guestbook at www.parsellfuneralhomes.com.
