John F. Cullen, III, age 84, long time teacher and coach at Woodstock Union High School, died peacefully on Aug. 30, 2025 at his home in Lake Oswego, Ore., surrounded and held by his family. He was born in Taunton, Mass. on Aug. 8, 1941 to John F. Cullen, II and Virginia Cullen (Nichols). He is survived by his wife, Dona Cullen, and his daughter, Amanda Cullen-Crofut (Benjamin Crofut) WUHS Class of ‘92, also of Lake Oswego, and grandsons Orion (24) and Tashi (20); and his son, Brendan Cullen (Rebecca Krouner) WUHS Class of ‘90, now of Lexington, Mass. and grandsons Aidan (12) and Asher (2). John is also survived by his sister, Joan Kuliga (Mitchell Kuliga), of Assonet, Mass. and his brother, Peter Cullen (and friend Sheila Parker), of New Bedford, Mass. He leaves nieces and nephews he holds dear — Kristen Kuliga, Kim Kuliga, Peter Kuliga, Meghan Cullen (Ruscitto), Caitlin Rollins and Kelsey Cullen (Davidson) and all of their children.
Also known as “Jack” and pictured here as you might have remembered him in the ‘70s, was a graduate of Taunton High School and quarterback of the football team. He spent a 5th year at Brewster Academy (NH) playing football and basketball. He then attended and played football at Southern Colorado University, graduating in 1965. Jack was a beloved teacher and coach all of his life. He started at Bridgewater-Raynham High School in Massachusetts; then moved to Vermont and had 29 wonderful years (1970-1999) teaching earth science and coaching at different times football, tennis, hockey, basketball, track and gymnastics. He went on to run programs in hockey, basketball and tennis in Prescott, Ariz.; and finally landing in Oregon, coaching boys’ tennis at Tigard High School and mentoring his grandsons, friends and teammates in football, basketball and tennis at Lakeridge High School in Lake Oswego.
Countless youth over the decades benefited from his devotion and meticulous instruction, his wit and ability to connect, entertain and educate. So many adults report how Jack Cullen changed their lives, inspired them to have faith in themselves and to aspire for excellence. He had dozens of awards and championships and, to his last breath, was lecturing caregivers on nature and the environment. He is sorely missed.
There will be a Memorial Service and Celebration of Life at the Unitarian Universalist Church in Woodstock on June 14 at 1 p.m., with a simple reception to follow. Come with your stories.
