Obituary of John William Culligan

John W. Culligan of Hamden passed away at home on January 11, 2009. He was born October 18, 1943 to the late Norman and Laura (Lynn) Culligan. Mr. Culligan was born and raised in Monticello, graduating from Monticello High School in 1962 and moved to Highland Falls, NY before eventually retiring to "his mountain" in Hamden. John was a member of the Monticello Police Department for 12 years, as well as their firearms instructor. After reaching the rank of Sergeant, he moved on to work at Tuxedo Park and eventually retired from The State of New York Safety Department at Letchworth Village. He was an accomplished artist and cartoonist, always doodling in his younger years and spreading laughter with his personal take on everything from politics, to history, the guy down the street. His two passions were cooking and his mountain in Delaware County where he hosted many picnics and parties that gave him the opportunity to cook for the masses. To pass the time since his retirement, he became an avid history researcher and collector, with a special interest in the Old West and local history. With his skills on the computer, he has made friends from around the globe. John is survived by his wife of 27 years, Joann (Jusino) Culligan, as well as his two brothers Norman Culligan and his wife Evelyn and James Culligan and his wife Ann. He is also survived by his 5 children; David Culligan and his partner Tracy Cullen, Laura Class and her husband Thomas, Joseph Jusino, John A. Culligan and Noel Rainbolt and her husband Richard. He leaves behind 13 grandchildren; Nichole Meyer, Kendra Libbee, Catherine Class, Jennifer Poteralski, Ryan Culligan, Ryan Poteralski, Jessica Culligan, Jennifer Jusino, Tory Jusino, Justin Jusino, Joel Jusino, Dominick Jusino and Heidi Rainbolt as well as 2 great-daughters, several cousins, nieces and nephews and his loyal Golden Retriever, Mackey. Visiting hours will be Wednesday January 14, 2009 from 2-4 and 7-9pm and on Thursday, January 15 from 10-11am at the VanInwegen-Kenny, Inc. Funeral Home, 401 Broadway in Monticello. His Funeral Service will be held on Thursday January 15 at 11:00am with Rev. John Thomason officiating. A memorial service and the scattering of his cremains will take place on "his mountain" in the spring. Memorial contributions made to the family would be appreciated and can be directed to P.O. Box 17, Hamden, NY 13782. Arrangements are under the direction of the VanInwegen-Kenny, Inc. Funeral Home of Monticello. For additional information please visit www.kennyfuneralhome.com