Patrick Joseph CULLEN

CULLEN - Patrick Joseph
of Cattaraugus, a longtime banker, who was President and CEO of Bank of Cattaraugus passed away peacefully into God's comforting arms on June 14th at his home with the love of his life, Joan, and family at his side. Patrick married Joan Anderson at St. Mary's of the Angels Church in Olean in 1970 and they had 53 married years together of children, grandchildren, family, friends, traveling, land, saloon, antiquing, working and many more shared interests and hobbies. They raised a loving family and built a beautiful circle of lifelong friends. Born January 7, 1947, Patrick was the youngest child of the late Grace M. Petersen and L. Edgar Cullen. Patrick lived his life in Cattaraugus graduating from Cattaraugus Central High School in 1965. Patrick was an avid Boy Scout attaining Eagle Scout Rank at age 14. He graduated from St. Bonaventure University in Finance in 1969. Patrick joined the Army Reserves serving for 6 years where he proudly won an award for being the best shot in his Battalion. In 1970, Patrick was hired by Marine Midland Bank (HSBC). In 1971, Patrick accepted a job at Bank of Cattaraugus offered to him by his father who was the President at that time. He quickly moved up the ranks becoming President and CEO in 1982 a position he held until 2019 when he became Chairman of the Board serving until his death. Patrick and Joan had four children, Joseph (Monica) children Fiona and Devin, Colleen (Keith+) sons Jason and Matthew, Thomas daughters Lauren and Shannon, Timothy (Casey) children Patrick, Claire, and Quinn. Patrick was very proud that his four children graduated from St. Bonaventure University. Surviving besides his wife and children are his sister Barbara Cullen Rauh (Alfred+) and many cousins, nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brother Thomas E. Cullen. Patrick lived his life and raised his children through example with faith, generosity, caring, and thankfulness. Patrick's knowledge, sense of humor, kindness, and loyalty were the reasons everyone loved him. Patrick enjoyed life and brought adventure to his family and friends, developing his land with cabins, ponds, fishing, hunting, and was an avid antique collector. He had incredible knowledge of many topics. He was especially fond of his Irish Heritage. Patrick's career path reflected his brilliance as he led the Bank of Cattaraugus for over half a century of excellence. He lived and believed in the small independent community bank and what it could do for its community. Patrick navigated this bank keeping its independence through the era of mergers, acquisitions and expansions. He kept up on the many compliance regulations that plagued the banking industry. He put the customer and community before earnings. Patrick was involved in many banking associations over the years. Patrick was proud that Bank of Cattaraugus celebrated its 141st Anniversary this week. A favorite slogan of his was "Preserving the Past, Prepared for the Future". One of his greatest prides was that his daughter Colleen Young followed in his footsteps and is now the 3rd generation President of the Bank. He loved his hometown of Cattaraugus and believed in the development of the area. He was committed to restore and improve the buildings in the downtown area of the village. He was instrumental in starting Historic Cattaraugus Corporation, a 501 c3 nonprofit for the purpose of preserving and developing the area buildings of which he had 19 designated as Historic Properties. He developed and founded Historic Southwestern New York Foundation which had an education purpose and the umbrella to open museums. He was very proud of starting the American Museum of Cutlery, AMCUT, in 2004 and it continues to be open 4 days a week since where he serves as Curator and Founding Father. This unique museum has been written about in numerous articles and books. Many historical items have been donated to this museum and many are on display. Patrick documented his vast knowledge and wrote several articles some of which were the History of the Cattaraugus County Cutlery Manufacture, The History of the Village of Cattaraugus and the History of the former Cattaraugus Palace Theater. To Patrick the most important things in life were faith, family, love and friends. He loved his Catholic religion and was a life member of St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church in Cattaraugus serving on various committees. He was Founding Director of Historic Cattaraugus Corporation, Curator of American Museum of Cutlery, American Legion Member, Director of the Cattaraugus County Historical Society and Museum, Member of Cattaraugus Historical Society, Cattaraugus Village Historian, Life member of NRA. Past President and Board Member and current member of the Independent Bankers Association of New York State, Member of National Independent Community Bankers Association, American Bankers Association, New York State Bankers Association, A Former Scout Leader, Member St. Bonaventure Alumni Association, Member of St. Bonaventure University Seraphin Society. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions in Patrick's name can be made to Historic Cattaraugus Corporation 24 Main Street Cattaraugus, NY 14719. Viewing will be held at Mentley Funeral Home, 411 Rock City St. in Little Valley, NY on Friday, July 21, 2023 from 4-7 pm. A Mass of Christian burial, with the MSGR David Lee officiating, will be held at St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church in Cattaraugus on Saturday, July 22, 2023 at 11 am for a gifted banker, family man, joke teller, historian and community man who embraced life to the fullest. Burial with military honors will be in Liberty Park Cemetery in Cattaraugus.