DONALD J. McCULLOUGH, 100

“Top Of The Morning To You”

 

Don McCullough of Wolfeboro, NH, quietly passed away at Mountain View Community in Ossipee on Tuesday, October 26, 2021, one day after celebrating his 100th birthday surrounded by family & friends. 

Don was born on October 25, 1921 in Paterson, NJ, the son of William R. and Mary C. (Neuhs) McCullough. He was a graduate of Ridgewood High School, Ridgewood, NJ where he lettered in 3 sports. Don was the football team’s quarterback and threw many a pass to his favorite receiver, Frank L. Bradley who became his brother-in-law in 1949. 

Don proudly served his country as a Marine during WW2 in the Atlantic & Pacific Theaters. He rose to the rank of corporal and was one of three orderlies assigned to Admiral Lee on the flagship USS Washington. Don was involved in battles on the sea and in combat during the capture of Okinawa. During battle, while leading his fire team, Don was wounded in action for which he was awarded the Purple Heart. 

After returning home, Don met the love of his life, Mary T. Bradley. They were married on November 26, 1949 at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church.  Don and Mary were blessed with a family of 6 children. Don reveled in his life as a family man and was always ready for a game of badminton, whiffle ball, croquet, touch football, swimming, water skiing, skating & sledding. He attended as many games and school activities as possible that his children & grandchildren participated in. 

Don’s career began with Ditto, a division of Bell & Howell in Lodi, NJ. Initially with accounting and sales production he became plant manager. In 1965, Don, with family in tow, accepted a promotion and transferred to Sherman, TX. Subsequently, Don and family moved to FL and then in 1974 to Boston, MA. This last move was a “dream come true” for Don and Mary as he was willing to commute to Boston so that they could reside in Wolfeboro, NH.  NH was very dear to Don & Mary as they spent their honeymoon in NH and family vacations on Lake Winnipesaukee. Later, Don made a career change to have more time with the family and became a part of the Governor Wentworth School District at Kingswood Regional HS. He was affiliated with the Media Dept. until retirement. 

During retirement, Don was active in volunteering at the Life Ministries Food Pantry, the Trustees of the Wolfeboro Public Library and the GWSD Retired Educators & Personnel “Adopt a Roadway” committee. Don was born with a God-given artistic talent and was prolific in producing beautiful oil paintings. His artwork was displayed at the Public Library and various sites. He enjoyed daily 5-mile walks calling out “top of the morning to you” to friends and strangers alike. 

Don was predeceased by his parents, a brother William R. McCullough, Jr and his dearly beloved wife Mary. From the day of her death on August 30, 1987, every Saturday he bought a yellow rose (her favorite) to place by her wedding photo. 

Don is survived by their 6 children, Kathleen M. Burns & husband Rick of Wolfeboro, NH, Maureen Wunsch & husband Harlen of Fulshear, TX, Donald J. McCullough, Jr & wife Kristin of Dover, NH, James P. McCullough & wife Lisa of Lee’s Summit, MO, William R. McCullough, III & husband James Hagar of York, ME and Thomas J. McCullough & wife Sheryl of Wolfeboro, NH. Don is also survived by 16 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. 

He spent the last 2 years of his life at the outstanding Mountain View Community in Ossipee, NH. His family will be forever grateful for the excellent professional care, compassion and respect he received from the entire staff. 

A life well-lived, Don was a devout Catholic, a devoted and loving husband and father, a friend to many, loyal, giving and kind-hearted. All who were acquainted with Don knew of his love for Notre Dame (Go Irish!) and the Dallas Cowboys. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to The Nick online at TheNick.org or by sending a check to The Nick, PO Box 838, Wolfeboro, NH 03894. The Nick is a non-profit built by the community for the recreational use and enjoyment of all ages. 

Calling hours & funeral will be held in early December. TBA in the Granite State News.