Former West Haven Councilman, Acting Mayor Dies At 81

WEST HAVEN, CT — Former longtime West Haven Councilman Joseph Cullen Sr. died Monday at the age of 81. Cullen, who also served as acting mayor, served 14 years on the City Council, including several years as chairman.

“Mr. Cullen was a longtime elected official and was a member of the West Haven City Council,” West Haven Mayor Nancy Rossi said in a statement. “A number of those years he spent acting as the council’s chairman, culminating in his service as mayor in 2005. Throughout his life, Joseph wore many hats and served many parts of the West Haven community. He was a veteran of the Connecticut National Guard, a Scout leader and a communicant of Our Lady of Victory Church. A believer in public service, he never accepted a salary associated with his elected positions; instead, he donated the money to the West Haven Emergency Assistance Task Force (WHEAT).

“Not enough good words can be said about Mr. Cullen, who gave many years of his life to the people of West Haven and whom our city truly mourns today. Joseph was the example that all government officials should strive toward. I extend thoughts of comfort and condolences to his grieving family and to our community. Thank you, Mr. Cullen, for your service to our nation and our city.”

Read the full obituary, via the West Haven Funeral Home, below:

Joseph J. Cullen Sr., 81, of West Haven passed away on Monday, July 13, 2020, after months of failing health, he died peacefully. For 61 years, he was the loving husband of Marie Montesano Cullen. He was born on June 26, 1939, in New Haven, son of the late Joseph M. and Evelyn Brown Cullen. In addition to his wife, Joseph is survived by his children, Joseph J. (Connie) Cullen Jr. of Orange, Mark V. Cullen of New Haven, John M. (Jill) Cullen of Stratford and Maria G. Carrano of West Haven.

Family was the most important thing to Joe, he was a loving and supportive Father, Grandfather, Great Grandfather, and Brother-in-law. He is also survived by his grandchildren Stephanie Ferraro, husband Tom and great-grandchildren Stella and Cole Ferraro, James Cullen and girlfriend Ashley Auddino, Hallie and Elaina Carrano, and Emily, Kathryn, and Lauren Cullen, as well as sister-in law Elena Ferretti. He was predeceased by his sister Patricia Cullen Root.

Joe was an avid public servant, and active member of the West Haven community. He was a longtime scout leader and active member of the Our Lady of Victory Church. He served as a West Haven City Councilman for 14 years, many years as the chairman and served a short time as Acting Mayor. In addition, Joe was a member of the Connecticut Air National Guard, and a lifetime member of the Disabled Veterans of America. He worked for the Burndy Corporation for 39 years, where he started in the stock room and retired as Vice President of Manufacturing. He had second career as a Vice President of Iseli Company of Terryville, CT where he worked for 12 years before his retirement there.

He was loved and respected by many and will be missed. As a strong member of his community Joe never accepted a salary as an elected official and directed all monies earned to go directly to West Haven Emergency Task Force (W.H.E.A.T.) organization of West Haven.

The hours for visitation will be held on Tuesday, July 21, from 4 p.m. to7 p.m. at the West Haven Funeral Home at the Green. His funeral procession will leave the funeral home on Wednesday morning at 10:30 a.m. for a Mass of Christian Burial in Our Lady of Victory Church, St. John Vianney Campus at 11 a.m. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be sent to W.H.E.A.T. 674 Washington Ave., West Haven, CT 06516 www.wheatpantry.org.

For more information and to leave online condolences, visit West Haven Funeral Home here.