Eugene Thomas Michael Cullinane

Retired Colonel Eugene “Mike” Cullinane, 81, passed away March 19, 2021 at his home in Mesa, Arizona, with his wife Kay and his son Gregg by his side. Mike was born on June 10, 1939 in The Bronx, New York, and graduated from Archbishop Curley High School in Miami, Florida in 1958. He earned a bachelor of science degree in physical education from the University of Florida (go Gators!) in 1962, and a master’s degree in personal guidance and counseling from Troy State University in 1972. He attended the National War College in 1982.

Colonel Cullinane was commissioned as a second lieutenant to the United States Air Force through the Reserve Officer Training Corps program and entered active duty in 1962. He served in the Air Force for 26 years. His assignments included a tour in Vietnam as assistant chief of Protocol, and service as a Congressional Liaison officer for both the Air Force Research and Development Headquarters at the Pentagon, and the Office of the Secretary of the Air Force, Space Systems. In 1984, Colonel Cullinane and his family moved to Colorado where he served as the deputy commander, and then commander, of the 1st Space Support Group. The unit was redesignated the 1003rd Space Support Group in 1986, and Colonel Cullinane served as the unit’s commander until his retirement from the Air Force in 1988.

Mike loved to ski and play tennis. He played for the University of Florida varsity tennis team, winning the Southeastern Conference Team Championship in 1961. He went on to lead several Air Force tennis teams and coached and taught many people the game. Mike served as a National Ski Patroller at Ski Cooper, Colorado, and as a guide and member of the Winter Park SkiMeisters. Mike was a skilled craftsman who enjoyed woodworking and jewelry making. He loved to travel. He and his wife Kay went on many international trips, and traveled the States in their RV.

Mike is survived by his wife Catherine “Kay” (Kerrigan) Cullinane; his children, Frank Thumser (Barb), Gregg Thumser, Michael Cullinane (Kirstin), Diann Thumser (Angie), Jennifer Scott (Doug), Nancy Pracht (Stan), and Cathy Cullinane Thomas (Jon); his grandchildren, Jack Thumser (Kim), Hanna Thumser, Grace Thumser, Greg Allen (Heather), Emily Cullinane (Cal Shaw), Ashton Cullinane, Eran Cullinane (Gabby), Morgan Pracht, Leah Pracht, Jordan Scott, and Aidan Scott; and his great grandchildren, Riley Allen, and Eli Shaw. He was preceded in death by his parents Eugene and Mildred (Krieger) Cullinane, his first wife Ethel (White) Cullinane (Oct. 23, 1976), and his brother John Robert Cullinane (April 22, 2020).

Colonel Cullinane will be buried with military honors at Arlington National Cemetery, date to be determined. A mass will be held for Mike at Holy Cross Catholic Church on April 7, 2021 at 11am, 1244 South Power Road, Mesa, Arizona.

Memorial donations may be made to St. Vincent De Paul (https://www.stvincentdepaul.net/) and/or Food for the Poor (https://www.foodforthepoor.org/).