John A. Cullen

1930 - 2018

John Arden Cullen died on November 21, 2018 due to complications from a recent fall and resulting broken hip. He was eighty-eight years old and loved by many people. John Cullen was born in Pomona in 1930 into a family of educators and scientists. His father, Ray Cullen, was Superintendent of Schools in La Verne, California; his mother, Martha, received a Mathematics degree in 1921 and taught college before raising a family. His mother's brother, Harold Urey, won the Nobel Prize for Chemistry is 1934. John taught high school in Europe where he started his family. He moved to Costa Mesa in 1965 with his wife, Freda, and their four daughters. He taught Chemistry at Estancia High School for over thirty years. Mr. Cullen was strict, kind, and always fair. He loved his job. Mr. Cullen was an Eagle Scout and a 1952 UC Davis graduate. He played many sports in high school and college including track, football, and baseball. He enjoyed handball and golf in his later years. He ran the track at Orange Coast College with his second wife, Chris Cullen, when they were in their eighties. They traveled, cooked and hosted family gatherings together. John and Chris Cullen were a terrific team and will rest together in Walla Walla, Washington. John Cullen is survived by three daughters, Laura, Paulette, and Kathy Cullen; two stepdaughters, Connie and Lou Holm; three grandchildren, Torrey and Paris Cullen, and Lily Cullen Albritton. He is also survived by his sister, Kay Waters and his brother, Roger Cullen and his wife, Bev. A Celebration of Life will be held in January.