Dr. Charles E. Cullen

Dr. Charles Edward "Chuck" Cullen, Age 88, took his first breath in heaven on July 31, 2017  after passing at his home in Albuquerque, NM. Chuck was born in New Richmond, Wisconsin on September 21, 1928, to Harold and Florence Cullen. He later graduated from St. Johns' Northwestern Military Academy in Delafield, Wisconsin. He attended the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, Minnesota and graduated in June of 1953 from the School of Dentistry at Marquette University, Milwaukee, Wisconsin. During his high school and college years, he was an an avid hockey player and captain of his team.

Chuck served in the Army Dental Corp's as a First Lieutenant during the Korean War conflict and was assigned the U.S. Army 82nd Airborne Division. Chuck completed the training to be a qualified jumper with the medical battalion of the 82nd Airborne Division. On November 9, 1954, Chuck married his wife, Luz Elia Gutierrez, in Los Lunas, New Mexico. Luz was his wife for 62 years and 8 months.

Dr. Cullen worked in a private practice in General Dentistry for over 50 years in Albuquerque, New Mexico; he was also an Instructor of the Dental Hygiene Program at the University of New Mexico for 15 years; and served as a Deacon of the Catholic Church at Queen of Heaven, Risen Savior, and Prince of Peace for 38 years. During that time he enjoyed numerous accomplishments by donating his time and talent as a dentist caring for the Taramara Indians in Mexico with the help of the Sisters of Charities and St. Jude Express. He self-taught himself the Spanish language to be able to communicate to his patients in Mexico. He opened his home and provided education for 2 Cuban refugees, Sylvia and Nuria, for 2 years until their parents were able to leave Cuba. He also took in a homeless high school girl and provided a home and education for 2 years.  Later he worked closely with several Drug Rehabilitation and Homeless Groups to provide dental care bringing back many beautiful smiles. Dr. Cullen found great joy by helping others any way that he could.

Chuck was an avid hunter and fisherman.  He took his family on regular camping and boating adventures.  He loved wood carving along with scuba diving and roller blading. As a deacon, he was active in leading baptism teachings and ceremonies along with supporting the funeral services and grieving families.  He spent countless hours researching and writing homilies speaking from his heart and life experiences. He was devoted in assisting with the weekend masses and special religious holidays. He mentored other deacons with his dry sense of humor, Irish jokes, and no nonsense approach to life.

Chuck is preceded in death by both of his parents Harold Cullen and Florence Cullen Eisler; his sister Harriet Kelly and his brother Richard Cullen.

He is survived by his beloved wife Luz Cullen of Albuquerque, NM; his daughter Kathleen Bridges of Albuquerque, NM; his son Michael Cullen of Rutheron, NM; and his daughters; Annette Cullen White of New Braunfels, Texas; Elaine Cullen of Shallotte, North Carolina; and Maureen Cullen of Albuquerque, NM. His grandchildren; Shannon Holmes, Justin Bridges, Codie White, Kaitlyn Corbett, Landon Graham, Neven Zapatka, Lilee Zapatka; his great grandchildren Emma Holmes, Christian Holmes, Hunter Bridges, and Corbin Bridges.

"Death is only a horizon and a horizon is only the limit of our sight."

A Mass will be held on Thursday, August 10, 2017, at 10:00 am at Prince of Peace, 12500 Carmel Ave NE, Albuquerque, NM 87122, with a Reception to follow. A private burial will be held at the Santa Fe National Cemetery.

Memorial Contributions sent to:
Brothers of the Good Shepherd of New Mexico
218 Iron Ave. SW
Albuquerque, NM, 87102
Phone: 505- 243-2527

**Please click the link below, if you would like to make a memorial contribution;
https://www.goodshepherdcenternm.org/how-you-can-help-1


Arrangements have been entrusted to
Daniels Family Funeral Services
7601 Wyoming Blvd NE
Albuquerque, NM 87109
505-821-0010