Gerard Anthony Cullen, Sr., 88, of Middleboro, Massachusetts passed away peacefully on October 16, 2023. His beloved and devoted children and their equally loved and devoted spouses were with him. Jerry was the adored and adoring husband of the late Ellen "Joyce" (Mangan) Cullen with whom he shared 57 wonderful years of marriage.

Jerry is survived by so many who love, admire, respect and value him, including his children Helena "Nina" Cullen-Hamzeh and her husband Ziad Hamzeh, Denise Miller and her husband Kenneth Mayo, Andrew Cullen and his wife Christine, and David Cullen and his wife Sarah; his grandchildren Christopher Hamzeh and his wife Josie, Fiona DiGiandomenico and her husband John, Kaleb Cullen and his husband Lee Badeau, Mathew Miller and his wife Emily, Alexander Hamzeh, Sebastian Hamzeh, Kyle Cullen, Xavier Cullen, and Olivia Cullen; his dear friend Rosemary Nelson; and countless relatives and friends. He is predeceased by his son Gerard Cullen, Jr.

Known as "Brother" by many, Jerry was born on October 9, 1935, one of ten children born to Hugh and Margaret (Conroy) Cullen of Ireland. Jerry is survived by his sisters Peggy Burnham, Patsy Rush, Beverly O'Neill, and Frannie Mahony and predeceased by his sisters Mary Cullen and Theresa Holland and his brothers Rudy Cullen, Chet Cullen, and Tom Cullen.

With his siblings and parents, Jerry grew up on Woodman St. in Jamaica Plain. He graduated from St. Thomas Aquinas High School and joined the Navy in 1954. He served as a Radioman on the USS Selstrom and was honorably discharged in 1962. While working as a letter carrier for the US Postal Service, Jerry attended Newbury Junior College and Northeastern University. He earned an associate degree and became proficient with computer technology, eventually leading the Address Information Systems at the USPS General Mail Facility in Boston and contributing to the adoption and implementation of the ZIP+4 program that dramatically improved the delivery of first-class mail. Jerry retired from the US Postal Service at 55.

His desire to see the world began in the Navy and never ended. With his beloved Joyce and often accompanied by family and friends, Jerry ventured far and wide from Maine to California, Hawaii to Bermuda, Niagara Falls to Arizona, Ireland to Alaska. Given his wonderful charm and irresistable charisma, he made friends everywhere he went.

Jerry was a great dancer. If music was playing he could be found masterfully guiding his partner around the dance floor. Jerry was a great golfer. If the sun was shining and the weather was fair, 18-holes with his brothers, sons, or friends would be in order. Jerry was a great baker. His delicious scones were enjoyed by all who sampled them. Jerry was great at all things. There was nothing he couldn't fix and no game he couldn't dominate. With his quick wit, bright eyes, and winning smile, Jerry was truly great.

In his retirement Jerry achieved a life-long dream by learning to play the piano, and he shared this passion with his children and grandchildren.

Jerry stood tall above the rest. At 6'2" most people had to look up to him, and he both enjoyed and deserved it. He put family first, never hesitated to help when help was needed, and he always did what was right even when it was difficult.

Jerry took great pleasure in the accomplishments of his children and grandchildren, and his favorite pastime was being with family and friends. He loved holiday gatherings, and he always helped with the shopping, cooking, and clean-up. Jerry was smart, generous, and lots of fun. He will be sorely missed. His children hope you will join them as they say farewell to their extraordinary father and celebrate his amazing life.

Visiting hours at the Russell & Pica Funeral Home, 17 Main Street, (RT 105) Lakeville on Sunday, October 29th from 1:00-4:00pm. Funeral from the Russell & Pica Funeral Home on Monday, October 30th at 9:30am thence to Sacred Heart Church, 340 Centre St., Middleboro where a funeral mass will be celebrated for the repose of his soul at 10:30am. Interment in the Bourne National Cemetery at 12:30pm. Reception to follow at Oak Point Clubhouse from 2:00-4:00pm.