Joel Steven Pulliam

Joel Steven Pulliam, 57, died on June 1, 2021 after a five month battle with kidney cancer. Born in Queens, NY and raised in Rockland County, NY, Joel attended St Joseph’s parochial school, Albertus Magnus High School and Villanova University. At Villanova, he studied mechanical engineering and cheered the Wildcats to their historic 1985 NCAA basketball championship. In 1988, Joel moved to Virginia where he met his beloved wife, Ann. Joel then went on to earn his MBA at the Darden School of Business at the University of Virginia. He and Ann were married on July 27, 1991 in McLean, Virginia. Joel had a long, successful career in technology. He worked for many companies, from Fortune 500 giants to twenty person startups, and was a beloved co-worker, and leader wherever he went. Joel was known by his colleagues for his integrity, strong and gentle leadership, and clever wit. Consensus is that he was excellent at making software; designing the features and products that the engineers would then implement. At the time of his death, he was the Chief Product Officer for Brightfield. The many software products he envisioned and designed will continue to be used by hundreds of thousands of people. In addition to being a successful executive, Joel was first and foremost a loving husband and father, always putting his family first and happy to talk about them to anyone who would listen. He was an avid golfer, an amateur handyman, an excellent cook, a talented artist, and a self-proclaimed whiskey nerd. Joel was a loyal fan of Villanova and Virginia basketball and Notre Dame football. Appreciative of the simple things in life, Joel could most often be found cooking a meal for his family in the kitchen, repairing something in the garage, walking his dogs (off-leash) in the woods, hitting golf balls in the backyard, or watching the sun set by the pool with his wife by his side and a glass of bourbon in his hand. Joel will be sorely missed by all who were blessed to know him, especially his family. Humble and sincere, Joel’s quiet influence will live on in all those he touched. The world is less bright for having lost him. Joel is survived by his wife Ann Farrell Pulliam, his children Kevin (25), Thomas (23) and Grace (21) as well as his brothers Ronald and David, his in-laws, numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents Ronald Leon Pulliam and Mary Frances Pulliam (née Therrien) and his mother-in-law Bridget Teresa Farrell (née Gerety). Visitation will be held on June 12, 2021 at 10:30 am at Saint Luke Catholic Church, 7001 Georgetown Pike, McLean, VA. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on June 12, 2021 at 12:00 pm at Saint Luke Catholic Church, 7001 Georgetown Pike, McLean, VA. Committal Service will be held on June 12, 2021 at 1:30 pm at Oakwood Cemetery, 401 N. Roosevelt St., Falls Church, VA.