Search by Name

Search by Name

Sean Keith Cullinan

1969 - 2020

Sean Keith Cullinan obituary, 1969-2020, Richmond, VA

Sean Cullinan Obituary

CULLINAN, Sean Keith, 51, of Richmond, passed peacefully November 17, 2020, after a too-short, well-lived life and a heroic battle with colon cancer. Born on September 6, 1969, he was a proud graduate of Hermitage High School and alumnus of Hampden-Sydney College. He spent his professional career working for Markel Corporation and Allianz Global Corporate & Specialty. Sean was a dedicated husband, father, son and friend to so many. He is survived by his cherished wife, Jennifer Weis Cullinan; his beloved sons, Garrett Blake Cullinan and Parker Reece Cullinan; and his faithful canine companion, Cooper ("Coop Dog"). He loved his whole blended family - a family not caught up in the technical legalese of "half" and "step" designations. Sean was predeceased by his sister, Caroline Porter Smith; and is survived by his parents, Randall Cullinan and Sharon and Carl Smith; brothers, Alex Cullinan and Kevin Smith (Gwen); nieces and nephews, Isabella, Emma and Henry Smith; father-in-law, Richard Weis; and a loving extended family. Sean loved good beer, great music and having lots of fun. A celebration of his life will be held in 2021 when we can "do it up right" with all who knew and loved him, just as Sean would have wanted. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts in honor of Sean can be made to support the Colorectal Cancer Research Center of Excellence at the Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center. Checks can be made payable to Johns Hopkins University indicating the gift's designation and mailed to Kimmel Cancer Center, P.O. Box 17029, Baltimore, Md. 21297. Gifts can also be made online: https://secure.jhu.edu/form/kimmel.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Richmond Times-Dispatch from Nov. 21 to Nov. 22, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
for Sean Cullinan

Not sure what to say?





Sue Marshall

November 15, 2021

Sean saved my life!!! In August 2020 I had cancer. I was so sick, and had given up. Sean sent me a text. "If you dwell on negative thoughts, it becomes a self fulfilling prophecy. Snap out of it!!!"
It was like a slap in my face. He was so right! Thank you Sean

Chris Cullinan

December 10, 2020

We love and miss you Sean!

Aunt Sherry

December 7, 2020

Aunt Sherry

December 7, 2020

Aunt Sherry

December 7, 2020

Aunt Sherry

December 7, 2020

Aunt Sherry

December 7, 2020

Aunt Sherry

December 7, 2020

Aunt Sherry

December 7, 2020

Aunt Sherry

December 7, 2020

I can´t say enough good things about my first nephew. I will always remember him as a baby, the first grandson in the family, but also as a toddler, child, teenager, young married man, great husband and father, all ages tied up in one wonderful person. I can´t separate these memories and they are constantly coming at unexpected moments. We all loved him and have been so proud of him always, and more so in his valiant battle with a terrible disease and how he kept living his life to the full to the very end. He will forever be sorely missed.

Katherine Goodpasture

November 27, 2020

Jennifer, I am sorry for your loss. You and your family are in my heart and my prayers.

Dave Brown

November 21, 2020

I am so very sad to hear this. Sean was a great guy, a good friend, and will truly be missed. We enjoyed the same music & must have seen 8-10 concerts together over the years. I will really miss my concert buddy. He also was a fan of my beloved Steelers, and his last text to me referenced them.

It was remarkable to me that Sean never once complained about his situation, or sought sympathy, or to be treated anything other than just a regular guy. It was an incredible display of his character.

My deepest sympathies to Jen, the boys and the whole extended family.

Tracee Candia

November 21, 2020

Jennifer your husband was a kind and great man that will be sadly missed. May you and your family share beautiful memories. May God strengthen and comfort you with His love and peace.
Many blessings to you, your sons, and your family.

Faithe M. Norrell

November 21, 2020

Sean became a member of our extended William Fox School family when he married Jennifer. We have spent many wonderful evenings celebrating the winter holidays at their beautiful home, the last one being December 2019. He was always a gracious host and welcomed us as did Jennifer. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him as a lovely gentle man who fought courageously without complaint. Thank you Sean!

Jennifer Oprison

November 21, 2020

I met Sean when I was 3 months old. He was 2. We grew up together at "Nanny´s" ... until we parted ways by middle school (when we no longer required a babysitter). He was funny; mischievous; and loved music (we played the old 45s on our little turntable back in those days). When I think of my early childhood, many memories include Sean since we were together most days. Our little group at Nanny´s would eventually grow up and move on... but when I met Sean a few years ago for lunch on a visit to Richmond, I quickly realized the same fun childhood connection (and stories) remained. He fought cancer hard. He loved Jen and his boys. And he will be missed by so many who knew him over the years and throughout his life. Much love and hugs to his entire family.

Sherry A McCarthy

November 21, 2020

Sean was a bright light in my life. I've known him since he was a baby and he's always been like a second son. He was loving, funny and had a strong sense of family. I'll miss him always.

Larry and Martha Eavey

November 21, 2020

We first knew Sean from Nanny´s and have followed him through our kids over the years. What a fine man he became with loving family, many friends and a blessing to those that were fortunate enough to know him! Wishing you peace and comfort from above for the days and months ahead!

Sue Marshall

November 21, 2020

I´ve known Sean since he was a toddler. I saw him grow into a wonderful man. He was like a son to me. I loved him so much. That same love extends to his wonderful family. I will miss him forever.

Creighton Hite

November 21, 2020

Many good memories with Sean at H-SC and coaching our sons' soccer team. I hope he's having a cold brew, watching Bayern Munich play, and keeping you all safe and healthy from above. Peace and prayers to you all.

Vanessa O Arrington

November 21, 2020

I knew Sean through working at Markel, my daughter worked in Claims with Sean. He was a very sweet & kind man. We are sorry for your family's loss and know he will be greatly missed. Rest knowing that God is with you during this most difficult time.

Showing 1 - 20 of 20 results

Make a Donation
in Sean Cullinan's name

Memorial Events
for Sean Cullinan

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

How to support Sean's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Sean Cullinan's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more