JOHN WILLIAM CULLAM

John William Cullam was born on September 28, 1918 to Edward and Isabelle Cullam in a farmhouse on Byram Lake Road in Mt. Kisco. He grew up as the caretaker's son on the Merestead estate. The 130 -acre estate was recently donated by the Patterson/Sloane family to Westchester County Park Conservation. As a child, John would stroll down the hill from his home to beautiful Byram Lake where his passion for fishing was born. John attended a one room school house on Sarles Street until he began his two mile walks to and from Mt. Kisco High School, now known as the Mt. Kisco Elementary school. John was born, grew up and now has died at his home in Mt. Kisco on August 20, 2007. John's 46 year career as a banking executive began at Mt. Kisco National Bank and Trust Co., now known as Chase in downtown Main Street. Being a banker, John had a gift for numbers. He found pleasure serving as treasurer for many local organizations. Year after year, he would assist family and friends with their finances and taxes. Mt. Kisco was John's world. In recognition of all his contributions and volunteerism to the town of Mt. Kisco, John was chose Citizen of the Year in 1986. John was involved in the Mt. Kisco Recreation Commission, the Boys and Girls Club of Mt. Kisco, the Board of Oakwood Cemetery, The Fox Lane Dad's Club, Littile League Coach, The Assessment Review Board, The Fire Department Benevolent Treasurer, Fish and a devoted member of the United Methodist Church and the American Legion. John served in the Army out of Iceland in World War II. John was instrumental in establishing the Mt. Kisco Junior Football and baseball Leagues. Although an avid athlete throughout his life with primary focus on baseball, he did not like the Yankees. John leaves his wife of 56 years, Hazel Cullam; son, Thor Johnnessen and his wife, Doris of Mt. Kisco; daughter, Leanne Summers and her husband, Kirk of Bedford; daughter in law, Donna Cullam of Bedford Hills and his sister, Martha Cullam of Bedford Hills. He is predeceased by his son, Billy Cullam. John has eight grandchildren and six great grandchildren which all reside locally. "John-Dad-Grandpa" has had a terrible struggle over the last years. The family gives thanks the battle is over and he is now at peace. We celebrated our family love and all the gifts that he has given to each one of us.Amen. Services at Oelker & Cox Funeral Home, Mt. Kisco. Visiting hours Wednesday, August 22 from 2-4 and 7-9 pm. Funeral Services, Mt. Kisco Methodist Church on Thursday, August 23, at 10 am. In lieu of flowers, send donations to Hospice of Westchester (914) 682-1482 or United Methodist Church of Mt. Kisco (914) 666-5014 OELKER & COX FUNERAL HOME 262 Main Street Mt. Kisco (914) 666-5891 www.SinatraFFH.com