Frank "Sonny" McCulloch Jr.

Frank Eliot McCulloch Jr.

Frank "Sonny" McCulloch, Jr., artist, musician, philosopher, poet, raconteur - bon vivant - died Sunday, December 1st, 2024. He was 94 years old.

Born in Gallup, NM in 1930 to Anna Herman and Frank Sr., Frank enjoyed spending time, along with his siblings and cousins, with his grandparents in Las Vegas, NM. Frank later moved to Albuquerque with his family and attended school at St. Mary's in downtown Albuquerque. Frank attended Princeton University, the University of Albuquerque, UNM (biology, chemistry and fine arts) and New Mexico Highlands University, where he received an MS in Biology. He received his MFA at Universidad de Guanajuato, at the Instituto de San Miguel de Allende. Frank also served in the Navy.

Frank spent thirty years teaching biology, humanities, art and lithography to thousands of students at Highland High School. In 1978, he was in the Roswell Artist-in-Residence Program. He retired from teaching in 1985 and continued painting and showing his lush landscapes as well as playing music with his Amigos Bravos. Frank received many accolades and acknowledgements for his art and music including the Albuquerque Arts Alliance Bravos Award and the Governor's Award for Excellence in the Arts. His work hangs in the New Mexico Collection at the Albuquerque Museum and his music is part of the UNM Robb Musical Trust.

Frank is survived by his wife, Patricia Fellin; daughters, Claudia and Cara (Tony and stepchildren, Gibb, Kate and Clare Anella); son, Frank III (Lisa) and his grandson, Bereket Frank McCulloch, who affectionately referred to him simply as 'Pa'.

Sonny is preceded in death by his brother, John McCulloch; and sister, Nancy McCallister; and survived by his beloved brother, Bernard and wife, Dolores and their McCulloch family, along with the McCallister Family, and special cousins. His dear sisters-in-law are Marcella Mock and Eileen Ledford; and dear brother-in-law, Leonard Fellin and family.

He leaves behind a vast community of friends, colleagues, mentors, students and all of the folks who enjoyed his good company and disciplined commitment to create. His works grace many homes, businesses and institutions as a remembrance of a life well-lived.

A celebration of Frank's much-relished life will be at a later date. In the meanwhile, appreciate a beautiful horizon, share a funny story, sing a corrido, savor a fine cup of coffee and a bowl of red with family and friends - activities Frank loved - to honor and remember this much-treasured human being.