Obituary of Paul H. Cullen

Paul Cullen of Freeport, NY passed away on November 20, 2024, born in Pittsburgh, PA on June 18, 1948.  He is survived by his loving wife of 43 years, Karen, Daughter, Kaitlin Urstadt and son-in-law Greg, Daughter, Megan Robbins and son-in-law Tom, grandchildren Aidan and Brennan Urstadt and Teagan Lilly Robbins born just hours before his death in Naples, Italy, Brother Bill Cullen (Bonnie) of Ocala, Florida. Also his nephews, Shawn (Edee) Cullen and their children, Mike (Jackie) Cullen and their children. His honorary sisters Tricia Gandalfo,  Mindy Goodman and Margie Cullen.  

Paul had a deep love for his family and friends. He was a wonderful husband and dad who was always supportive and encouraging. His 3 girls were his life and would tell everyone how proud he was of all that his girls accomplished.   When he wasn't working or spending time with his family he was biking, taking pictures or caring for his many plants at home and at work.  His energy, joy and zest for life seemed to know no bounds.  Paul always strived to be positive and looked for the best in others;  he sincerely thanked people for what they did. Paul received his bachelors in Psychology at Waynesburg College in PA, completed his Masters in Psychology at the New School for Social Research and took Photography classes at the International Center for Photography.  

Paul worked for AHRC, Nassau for 43 years; 35 years as the Director of Family Support Services, Camp Loyaltown; a job he loved.  He always said if you had a job you loved, you never worked a day in your life.  Paul and Karen met at Camp Loyaltown and worked together for 34 summers; along with both daughters; it truly was a family affair that we all loved.  Throughout his career at AHRC he touched so many lives; not just on Long Island but throughout the world as Camp Loyaltown hired staff not just from the US but from the UK, Ireland, Russia, Poland, Hungary, Netherlands, Czech Republic, South Africa, Jamaica, Australia, New Zealand and China.  Every summer staff from all over the world learned to work together to provide a fun and safe summer for campers with developmental disabilities.  He was an amazing teacher and mentor to the staff who came to Camp Loyaltown; many of the staff have continued in related fields back in their countries or continued working for AHRC in other parts of the agency or other agencies serving people with developmental disabilities or as Special Education Teachers, Psychologists, Doctors and Nurses; as well as many other fields. Paul received a number of awards throughout his career; The Spirit of CCUSA Award, The Daniel Milch Memorial Award, The Peace Award from Camp America,  honored by the Nassau Suffolk Autism Society of America for his commitment to supporting people with autism and received a New York State Assembly Citation as "It's All About Love" Honoree.  Paul was truly dedicated to making the world a better place.

In lieu of flowers, donations to Camp Loyaltown in Paul's memory would be greatly appreciated.

Checks can be made out to and sent to:

Citizens Options/Camp Loyaltown

c/o AHRC Nassau

189 Wheatley Rd # 3

Brookville, NY 11545

ATTN: Community Resources

or online at:

https://www.citizens-inc.org/ways-to-give/

Honor/Memorial Gift

While dementia took him from us far too soon; his impact on our lives is everlasting.  For an infinity of forevers, my love.