Stephen J. Culliton

Stephen "Steve" Culliton, 82, of Wheaton passed away on April 18, 2025 after a long and valiant battle with cancer. We were all inspired by his strength, humor, and fighting spirit.
Steve was born on Valentine's Day, 1943, in Waltham, Massachusetts, to James and Jane Culliton. He spent his early years in the Boston area before the family moved to South Bend, Indiana, where he attended St. Mary's Catholic School and St. Joseph High School.
He graduated from the University of Notre Dame in 1964 with a degree in Finance. In college, Steve worked as a cameraman for WNDU, filming Fighting Irish football games - back when only two cameras covered the entire field. After college, he moved to the Chicago area and worked as an accountant for Union Tank Car and later as a senior financial analyst for U.S. Gypsum. He earned his law degree from John Marshall Law School in 1970 and went on to dedicate over four decades to the legal profession.
Steve served in the DuPage County State's Attorney's Office beginning in 1973, later joining the Public Defender's Office before moving into private practice with the firm Culliton, Civinelli & Bakalis. A respected leader in his field, he served as President of the DuPage County Bar Association in 1980–81.
He played a key role in Illinois politics, working closely with Jim Ryan on several campaigns, including Ryan's run for Attorney General in 1994, after which Steve served as Chief of Staff to Attorney General Ryan until 1998. That same year, Steve was appointed as a DuPage County Associate Judge, and in 2008, he was named DuPage County Chief Judge by the Illinois Supreme Court. He retired from the bench in 2011.
Steve is survived by his wife, Ellen Champagne Culliton; his brothers William Culliton and Richard (Carolyn) Culliton; his children Stephen (Tracey) Culliton, Kristine Bushman, Colleen (John) Stoetzel, Megan (Dan) Golonka, Julie (Greg) Gajcak, Carla (Neil) Champagne, Jacqueline Bradley, and Joseph Champagne; his 22 grandchildren, a great-granddaughter, a great-grandchild on the way; and by a host of nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, James and Jane Culliton, and his brother Edward Culliton.
Steve took pride in being a steady hand in times of crisis, a relentless advocate, and a champion of justice. A man of strong work ethic, sharp intellect, and quick wit, Steve found joy in the simple pleasures: a good party, a lively debate, tending to the yard, a beautiful piece of opera or classical music. He delighted in a round of golf with his friends, followed by time on the "19th hole". He was an avid fan of the Cubs, Red Sox, and of course, his Notre Dame Fighting Irish. Above all, he cherished time spent with his family and friends, whose love and laughter were his greatest treasures.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday, April 29th at 9:00 a.m. at St. Michael Catholic Church, 310 S. Wheaton Avenue, Wheaton, IL 60187, followed by a funeral Mass at 10:00 a.m.
Gifts in his memory may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude’s Place, Memphis, TN 38105.
Funeral info (630)668-0016 or www.williams-kampp.com