Joseph H. McCullough Jr.

Joseph H. McCullough, Jr, 75 of Fawn Township, passed away surrounded by family on Tuesday, December 17, 2024. Born June 23, 1949 in Natrona Heights, to the late Joseph “Bud” H. McCullough, Sr and Alice (Artman) McCullough. He was a lifelong member of St. Barnabas Church. A 1967 graduate of Tarentum High School and 1968 graduate of the Western Pittsburgh Institute of Technology. He enlisted in the Army in 1969, and served with pride.

Joe is leaving behind a legacy of humor, skill, adventure, and an unmistakable zest for life. A person of faith and fiery honesty, his favorite choice words (a few of his signature slogans should come to mind!) were spoken with equal passion, reflecting his unique and unforgettable spirit.

Joe was known for having the best jokes & stories, the kind that could light up a room and keep everyone laughing long after the punchline. He was an incredible trapshooter who excelled in competitions including The Grand American World Trapshooting Championship, lifetime member of the ATA, Ford City Sportsmen’s Association and NRA. 

As a gifted cabinet maker, owner of Sokol’s Cabinet Shop, his craftsmanship brought beauty and functionality to many. He was employed by Curtiss-Wright, Cheswick before retiring. Joe was an enthusiastic collector of kitchen gadgets and appliances. His love for early-morning baking sessions—often at 3a.m.—and deep frying fresh-cut fries at bonfires he hosted were just a few of the ways he brought joy to others. Joe also had a knack for canning “junk,” turning even the most unexpected ingredients into treasures.

An adventurer at heart, he loved dirt bike riding and competing in hare scrambles, embracing the thrill of the trail with passion and determination. Most notably, he built the very home where they raised their family—a testament to his hard work, dedication, and love. He believed in teaching life skills the right way, refusing to let his daughters get a driver’s license until they mastered driving a stick shift first. An avid NASCAR fan, Bill Elliott was his favorite driver and loved watching M.A.S.H. and westerns-there is no movie or episode left unseen. While Joe lived with boundless warmth, he was unapologetically vocal about his disdain for the cold.

But above all else, what truly defined Joe was the limitless love he had for his wife and family. That love was at the center of everything he did, from the home he built to the memories created with trips “up the mountains” and it will continue to shine through in the lives of those who knew and loved him. Joe was just a phone call away, ready to help, listen, or offer his signature quick wit, words and wisdom.

Joe’s family and friends will deeply miss his humor, fierce loyalty, and the way he lived life so genuinely.

Survived by his wife of 46 years, Elaine (Vascik) McCullough, sister Jan (Chris) Wilkinson of Centerville, IN, daughters Adrienne (Paul) Heinle of Natrona Heights and Allison (B.J.) Schaltenbrand of Freeport, grandchildren Madalyn, Mekenzie, Dane & Easton and many nieces and nephews. 

Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by sisters Kelley (Lynn) Wetzel and Carol Ann (infant).

Friends will be received on Sunday from 2:00 p.m. until a time of service at 4:00 p.m. in the Cicholski-Zidek Funeral Home, Inc., 1522 Carlisle Street, Natrona Heights 724-224-8688. Burial will be private.  To send an online condolence please visit www.cicholski-zidekfh.com.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Ford City Sportsmen’s Club or Citizens Ambulance Service in his memory.