Kevin Patrick Cullen, age 88, passed peacefully at home on Easter Sunday, April 9.

He is survived by his wife and best friend of 52 years, Theresa Cullen; son Cormac Cullen, Maggie Terry; grandchildren: Theresa, Patrick, and Serena Cullen; daughter Sheilagh Cullen; and sister Maureen Pellegrino. He was predeceased by his brother Marty Cullen. He is also loved and remembered by family members: Pat Cullen, James Cullen, Tony Pellegrino, Jack Pellegrino, Patricia McDowell, and the McGlinchey family at large.

Kevin was born in the Bronx and spent his early life in New York City. He loved to travel and experience as much of the world as he could. He raised his family in the flat pastures of western New York and spent his retirement years ocean-side in Connecticut. No matter where he was, Kevin found joy in the rawness of nature, comfort in the largess of life, and was continually astonished by the bounty and mystery that exists within us all.

He was an incredible artistic talent. He enjoyed shepherding his children through their formal educations, always developing their creativity as well. He was an educator, a painter, a great storyteller, a salesman, an avid gardener, an exuberant cook, a loving partner, and had a keen sensitivity to issues of justice near and far. He was so kind and passionate. He was incredibly independent and is now free from any pain and limitations his illness imposed.

He will be forever missed.

A funeral Mass will be held at 10 a.m. Monday, May 8, at Saint Thomas More Catholic Chapel, 268 Park Street, New Haven, with a reception at 11 a.m. to follow. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Catholic Relief Services at crs.org. The Hawley Lincoln Memorial, Guilford is in charge of arrangements.