Richard P. Cullen

Birth date: Sep 11, 1947 Death date: Oct 2, 2020

Richard P. Cullen, 73 years, of Columbia, IL, passed away on October 2, 2020. He was born September 11, 1947, in Belleville, IL, son of the late Leonard G. and Lucille H., nee Matheis, Cullen. He was married to Darlene, nee Woodco Read Obituary

Wall Obituary Events Media

Don And Jodi Doerr

269w ago

Darlene, Jeffrey, Jenny, Larry and family,
Don and I are devastated. I just happened to come across this news this morning. Our very sincere condolences and sympathies for your loss.

Don has many years of memories from childhood growing up with the Cullen family as neighbors and playing music with the Dynamic Combo.
That is how I met Rich; going to the polka events when Don and I were dating and then married.

He was hysterically funny but also liked to yank [your] my chain. One of the first of these events was on the way home from a "gig" in Highland. I had to use the bathroom and he started driving very slowly. I told him if you don't stop, pull off the road or something, I am going to pee in your truck. "Pee in my truck, you can't pee in my truck!" Finally, he pulled off at the Cahokia exit off I-255 and stopped at the last possible gas station/convenience store...the one near Walgreens and McDonald's. Don tells this story complete with inflections of Rich's voice.

He told Don just in August on the phone he had told the doctor he wanted to live to make it to his next birthday. Well, Rich, you celebrated your birthday. God Bless America and God bless you. Now you can play your according again.

Don and Jodi Doerr

Anonymous

270w ago

Sent a Fall Fantasia to the Cullen family.

Vibrant bouquet of orange lilies and red roses with fresh greenery.

Send flowers

Ted Cruz

270w ago

There are so many comments that have been said about Rich from people who have been touched by.his talents and virtues - people who have listened and danced to his music, who learned from his patient and encouraging mentorship, who enjoyed his company at work and at play. They were not platitudes. I have known him for 45 years . He had been a wonderful devoted husband, father.grandfather, brother, friend- I can summarize all of those said of him by saying he was a most decent human being we should all aspire to ecome.

Vicki Surface

270w ago

So sorry to hear of Rich’s passing. We got acquainted with Rich at Hermanhoff Winery many years ago. He played at several parties for us. He became our friend and our favorite accordionists. He was one of a kind always joking and teasing someone in his audience. He was a wonderful entertainer.

I was thinking last night about hearing Rich and his accordion at Herman. Just made you feel good and want to dance as soon as you heard him. People thought we were crazy we’d dance for hours on blacktop, in the heat, in the cold, in the rain with umbrellas. We didn’t care we were just happy to be able to dance to his beautiful music. We knew he appreciated every time we were there. It will never be the same at Herman.

He will be missed!

Chester and Vicki Surface

David Olderman

270w ago

Rich was my accordion teacher, but became a very good friend of mine. Our lessons were a combination of conversation, music instruction and practice, and lots of laughs. Usually my lesson with Rich was the last of a long day for him, but he was generous to a fault with his time, talent, and treasure. If the Cardinals scored 6 runs or more that day, a few times we ended up at Krispy Kreme for their 1/2 price dozen doughnuts and coffee. Last night, through tears and smiles, I listened to his voicemails, watched videos of my lessons and recitals, and looked through pictures of us. He was the best.

Lisa Esker Russell

270w ago

My deepest condolences to the family. I took organ lessons from Richard as a child. Praying for you all.

Barry Chattillion

270w ago

Sorry to hear of his death.

Bonnie Ribbing

271w ago

I’m so sorry to hear of Richard’s passing. You have my deepest sympathy!!

Tribute Wall

Tribute Wall