Obituary of John R. "Jack" Cullina

John R. Cullina (Jack) of Glastonbury beloved husband of Maryann Simpson Cullina, passed away March 29, 2018.   He was born June 11, 1935, in Hartford to William and Mary Cullina. Upon graduating from the Hartford Public school system he enlisted in the US Air Force and was a member of the 79^th Fighter Bomber Squadron stationed in England, France and North Africa.  Upon his return he enrolled in college to earn his degree while working at    the Department of Transportation as a Surveyor.  He then joined Purcell Associates and then Enfield Road Construction Company,  as their chief Surveyor.  After 21 years in the heavy/highway construction, he joined Richard Gordon Interest Development Co. during the Hartford downtown redevelopment in the early 1980’s and worked on projects as the Connecticut River Plaza and State House Square.   In the mid 1980’s  The Gilbane Building Company of RI opened  its office in CT and John was hired as a Chief Estimator, working on projects in Connecticut, Boston, New York, Philadelphia, Washington D.C. and CA.,  retiring  in February, 2000.  During his retirement, John remained active as a Consultant.  He served clients in New York City, Boston, Connecticut and CA.  After 9/11, he worked on projects as The Gilboa Dam upgrades in New York. In Addition, he assisted on the engineering of the Graving Docks at Electric Boat in Groton.   John was a history buff with a passion for Civil War History.  He and his family enjoyed long weekend trips to view many of the Civil War battle fields. They enjoyed many trips and vacations with their children, traveling throughout the country and skiing in New England and the Midwest.  The family enjoyed summers at their summer home at Attawan Beach in East Lyme. He coached his son’s hockey team at the old ice rink in Glastonbury and was an assistant coach for his son’s little league team.   He and Maryann looked forward to their annual sail trip with their four close friends, sailing the Caribbean, the Grenadines, Granada, and the Windward Islands, stopping to explore many untouched islands.   John enjoyed traveling both in the US and Europe.  He loved relaxing at their 2^nd home in Newport, R.I. and spending their winters in Key West, FL.  John had been a member of the Glastonbury Hills Country Club, a 35 year member of the Hartford Club, and was a life member of the 100^th Club, and the Old Guard.    He was an active member of the 20^th fighter Bomber Wing Association. His professional affiliations were with the American Association of Cost Engineers and the American Society of Professional Estimators.   John also enjoyed his 10 years of teaching Civil Engineering 2 nights a week at the University of Hartford and contributing to the writing of   two technical manuals on Constructability and Value Engineering for The Gilbane Building Company. John served on the Glastonbury Water Resources Commission and the Glastonbury Sewer Commission. Besides his  beloved wife and best friend of over 56 years he is survived by his son Kevin and fiancé, Elaine of  Burbank, CA, his daughter,  Kelly and husband William Ullman of East Haven, CT., three grandchildren, Kia Cullina, Emily McNulty and Riley McNulty, his sister in law, Karen Simpson and  her partner, Fred Fritz, of West Hartford.  He is also survived by his brother, William (Teresa) Cullina and his sister Annette (Donald) LaVigne of Enfield, CT. Friends may call at the Mulryan Funeral Home, 725 Hebron Ave., Glastonbury on Tuesday April 3 from 4-7pm. Burial will be private at the Glastonbury Green Cemetery at the convenience of the Family. For online condolences please visit www.mulryanfh.com.