Robert James Cullen

Robert James Cullen, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother and uncle passed away peacefully November 26, at home surrounded by family. Born in Harrisville, OH, on May 20,1938, the oldest of eleven children, to the late James and Grace Virginia Cullen. Bob's life was one of dedication to his family, education and service to others. Bob will be remembered for his extreme compassion, thoughtfulness, family values and incredible work ethic. He loved hiking in the National Parks, especially in the Northwest, photography, his cats and wildlife. Bob created a beautiful sanctuary for birds and wildlife in his Newark backyard.

Married 62 years to his loving wife Joan, Bob is survived by cherished daughters Stephanie Knobeloch of Columbus (William), Kristina Cullen of Seattle (Tanner), and beloved grandchildren, Jack and Ryan Knobeloch, sisters, Linda Luke, Susan Williams, Mary Louise Ryan (Art), and Deborah Beal (Michael) and many nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by brother, Donald, and sisters, Janice, Jeannie, Kathryn, Shirley and Nancy.
Immediately after graduation from high school, Bob enlisted in the U.S Navy and served four years in Naval Air as an electronics technician. Bob earned degrees from Kutztown University, in Pennsylvania, an MA and Ph.D from Kent State University, and did post doctoral work at the University of Washington, School of Medicine and College of Education.

A life long educator, Bob taught at various levels including high school chemistry teacher, and as faculty at Kent State University, The University of Washington and Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine.

For most of his career, Bob served as an administrator of health professional continuing education and served as Director of Continuing Medical Education at Case Western Reserve University, and later as Chief Operating Officer of The National Employee Education System of the Department of Veterans Affairs. He was active in national professional organizations and served as officer or president.

Upon retiring in 2004, Bob and his wife moved to Newark to be closer to family. He soon became involved in local community organizations. Bob cared deeply about improving the graduation rate at Newark High School and worked with many community organizations toward that goal. In 2012 Bob was awarded The Newark City Schools Distinguished Service Award Bob also served as a board member of The Mental Health & Recovery and United Way. He was an active member of The Newark Kiwanis where he was editor of their newsletter, and honored as Kiwanian of the Year in
2007. In 2011, Bob was selected as one of six residents who was making a difference in Licking County.

A service to celebrate the life of Dr. Robet James Cullen will be held 11:00 AM, Saturday, January 10, 2026, at The First Presbyterian Church of Granville, 110 W. Broadway, Granville, Ohio 43023, where Bob and his wife have been members since 2014. Rev. Wallace Bubar officiating.

Bob and his wife's cremains will be combined and scattered over Mt Rainier. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Bob's memory may be made to a Call to College (whose work begins in second grade to expose students in Newark to the impact of furthering their education and improving their lives, (A Call to College, PO Box 4145 Newark, OH 43058 acalltocollege.org), The National Park Foundation, 1500K Street NW, suite 700, donorservices@nationalparks.org  The Licking County Humane Society, or Hospice of Central Ohio.