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TACAMO Fallen Veteran - Michael Cullina III, VQ-3
May 22, 1957 - February 18, 2021
Michael Joseph Cullina III passed away on February 18, 2021. He was born on May 22, 1957, in Hartford, Connecticut to parents Michael Joseph Cullina Jr. of Hartford, Connecticut and Veronica (Berthiaume) Cullina of Westfield, Vermont. Michael retired from the navy in 1998 at Naval Air Station in Patuxent River, Maryland. Michael and his family relocated to Moore, Oklahoma. He was employed at TAFB until 2010.
He was married to his wife, Patricia (Sears) of Plattsburgh, New York, on September 14, 1982. Michael is preceded in death by his parents and great-nephew, Austin Michael Kennan. He is survived by his wife, Patricia of Moore; daughters, Jena Damico of Moore, Megan Penry and husband Zachary Penry of Grovetown, Georgia; and son, Eric Michael Cullina of Oklahoma City; granddaughters, Olivia and Isla Penry; grandson, Dean Damico. Michael is also survived by his sisters, Debbie Lucas of Vernon, Connecticut and Donna Cullina of Wethersfield, Connecticut; brother, Jerry Morrison and wife Sandy of Vernon, Vermont; nieces, Trina Gould and Carrie Lucas; great nephews, Richard, Christian and Matthew Kennan and Brendan Margelony.
Michael attended Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University at NAS Patuxent River Maryland, where he was on the Dean's List in the Aviation Maintenance Program. He spent most of his career as a Jet mechanic and Quality Assurance Representative. He was on the Aircraft Carriers USS Nimitz and USS John F. Kennedy working on the flight decks of both Carriers. Michael's personality was bigger than life. He was loved by everyone who was fortunate enough to have graced his path along the way. He lived by the motto, "Laughter is the best medicine" and he truly lived by those words. His beautiful smile and sense of humor will greatly be missed. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Norman Veteran's Center in honor of Michael or to an organization that supports finding a cure for dementia. Celebration of Life will be held out of state.
Thank you Dennis Darrah for letting TCVA know of Michael's passing.
Message from Dennis:
"I worked with Mike in VQ-3’s QA at Barbers Point for about six months before the move to Tinker and then in Tinker for a few years after that. In Tinker Mike was the QA LPO. Michael's personality was bigger than life. He was loved by everyone who was fortunate enough to have graced his path along the way. He lived by the motto, "Laughter is the best medicine" and he truly lived by those words. His beautiful smile and sense of humor will greatly be missed. Our families were friends from Barbers Point on. My wife and I paid the Cullina’s a visit a few years ago in Oklahoma and were so glad we had the chance. Our hearts go out to Pat, Jena, Meg and Eric."
TCVA extends its sympathy and prayer for peace to the Michael Cullina's family and friends during this time of the passing.
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