Patrick Joseph Cullen passed away at Regional Hospice Center, Danbury, Friday November 17, 2017. Born in Boston, April 8, 1921, he was the son of the late James and Ellen (McMorrow) Cullen. He was raised in Milton, MA graduating Milton High School, Class of 1938. After graduation he attended Bentley School of Finance and worked for the FBI in Washington, D.C.. He proudly served his country first as a Navy Pilot and then as a Marine Corp Pilot. He was stationed in the Asiatic- Pacific Theatre of Operations and was honorably discharged in 1952 after earning the rank of Captain. He was soon hired as a commercial airline pilot and flew for American Airlines out of Boston and New York until his retirement in 1981. After his retirement he volunteered at Norwalk Hospital for 32 years. He was an active member of the Y’s Men of Westport and The Grey Eagles. Patrick was a devoted family man who loved flying and golf, both of which he enjoyed well into his 90s.
He was married to the late Sally C. Cullen for 56 years. They made their home first in Milton, MA and later Westport, CT. He is the beloved father of Sheila Florio and her husband Fred, the late Michael Cullen, Patricia Cullen, Brian Cullen and Lori Viselli, Elizabeth Cullen Baymor and her husband Jeffrey and grandfather “Da” of Sarah and Michael Florio.
He was predeceased by his brothers James Cullen, Frances Cullen and John Cullen and sisters, Sister Catherine Cullen M.M and Mary Cullen Driscoll. He is survived by his sisters-in-law Mary Cullen of Binghamton, NY and Natalia Cullen of Milton, MA and many nieces and nephews.
Relatives and friends are invited to meet directly at Assumption Church, 98 Riverside Ave, Westport, on Monday, December 4, at 10am for a Mass of Christian burial. Interment will follow at Assumption Cemetery, Greens Farms Road, Westport. Calling hours will be on Sunday, December 3, from 4:00 to 7:00 pm at the Collins Funeral Home, 92 East Ave, Norwalk.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Patrick’s name may be made to the Jimmy Fund at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, P.O. Box 849168, Boston, MA 02284 or www.jimmyfund.org/gift.