Thomas J. Cullinane

Thomas Joseph Cullinane of Worcester, a loving husband, father, and grandfather, died on Monday, September 25, 2023.  He will be lovingly remembered by his beloved wife of 60 years, Gail (Durling) Cullinane; daughter, Jane Burdett, her husband Francis and their three sons, Cullin, Addison and Gibson, all of Brewster, NY; daughter, Julie Kinney, her husband Jeffrey, and their two sons, Will and Grant, all of Plainville, MA; his son, Timothy Cullinane of Shrewsbury, MA; his sister, Elizabeth Worthley of Fitchburg; five nieces and nephews.  He is predeceased by a sister, Eileen McGough.

Born on April 30, 1938, the son of Thomas J. and Helen F. (O’Leary) Cullinane, Tom is a graduate of St. Peter’s High School. He earned a Bachelor of Science from the College of Holy Cross, as well as an MBA from Anna Maria College, before joining the U. S. Army Security Agency and serving in Italy at the Southern European Task Force (SETAF).

Upon returning from Europe, Tom married his best friend, Gail Durling, forming a partnership built on love that has grown stronger each year.

Tom spent most of his career with St. Vincent’s Healthcare System (SVHS), holding positions that included Managing Director of SVH Services, Administrative Director of the Providence House, and Chief Operating Officer of Elder Care Division.  He also served as a fellow in the American College of Healthcare, an academic preceptor for Clark University, and contributor to the Journal of the American Hospital Association.

Tom and his wife Gail were lifelong advocates for people with disabilities. Tom served as a trustee for Seven Hills Foundation, a member of the Advocacy Committee to the State Department of Developmental Disabilities, as well as human rights committees at Evergreen Center and Seven Hills Foundation.  He further served his community as a member of the Worcester Commission on Elder Affairs, the Worcester Senior Center Committee, Catholic Charities, Pernet Family Health Services, Friendly House, and Elder Services. He was a Lector and Eucharistic Minister for Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, where he also served on the Finance Committee and Parish Council. 

Following retirement, Tom was active in the Retired Friends Club of Greendale as president, board member and trip leader. He and Gail loved traveling with friends, learning about cultures, and connecting with people around the world.  Known for his curiosity, kindness and humor, Tom most enjoyed spending time with his family and friends, learning Italian, lake life and reading.

Relatives and friends are invited to calling hours on Friday, October 20th from 4-7 pm in the MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation St., Worcester.  His funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, October 21, 2023 at 11:00 am in Our Lady of Lourdes Church, 1290 Grafton St., Worcester.  Burial will be held privately. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: Seven Hills Foundation, 81 Hope Avenue, Worcester, MA 01603 or Thrive Support and Advocacy, 65 Boston Post Road, Marlborough, MA 01752.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: Seven Hills Foundation, 81 Hope Avenue, Worcester, MA 01603 or Thrive Support and Advocacy, 65 Boston Post Road, Marlborough, MA 01752.