Wallace John “Wally” Cullen, Jr., age 71 years, of Raritan Township, NJ, died peacefully on Thursday, February 20, 2020 at home, surrounded by his daughters and under the caring watch of Hunterdon Hospice.

Born  in Jersey City, NJ, son of Josephine Aiello Cullen of Raritan Township, NJ and the late Wallace John Cullen, Sr., he had lived in Hunterdon County, NJ for many years, having spent time in Colorado during his schooling and early working years.

Graduating from Hunterdon Central Regional High School, Flemington, NJ, Wally would go on to earn his B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Villanova University. A lifelong learner who thrived on gaining knowledge on any subject, he would later attend and earn his MBA from the University of Denver.

A professional mechanical engineer, the years immediately post-college found Wally working to help build a nuclear power plant in Pennsylvania, as well as assisting with the plans for the famous Tarbela Dam in Pakistan, a project he was extremely proud of and whose construction had a major effect for the better in the region.

In 1978, he joined his father at the family owned and operated Mechanical Precision, Inc., located on Hopewell Avenue in Flemington. Started in 1962, the business under the Cullen’s grew from five people when Wally was a child to the proud robust firm it is today. Serving as its president, Wally was well respected among his peers as being fair and knowledgeable. Among his workers, he was known to be there for them and to always try and do right by them in all situations. He was tough, but his heart was big as he strove for perfection in all that the company did.

Wally was a man who could relate to anyone; never pretentious, he believed that everyone’s story had value and he loved to hear about each person he met. He found warmth in everyone and tried to inspire people to live to their own potential, which he felt was limitless.

His pride and joy in life was his two daughters, Jessica and Lindsay, whom he instilled values that were both ideologic and practical. He wanted his daughters to be the best versions of themselves and to know they could accomplish everything, but he also wanted to make sure they could change a tire by themselves! Common-sense life rules were something he stressed and he and his daughters enjoyed many fun times over the years, whether it was a call to get some “Dad advice” or fly fishing in Argentina, the three shared an unbreakable bond.

Wally had many hobbies which included skiing, fly fishing, walking and traveling. He was a longtime member of the Franklin Green Ski Club and the Hunterdon Social and Walking Club. His trips included places all over the world, from Disney World to Egypt, and Italy to Cabo. He enjoyed the adventure and was very proud to have visited every national park in the United States.

The famous artist and innovator Leonardo da Vinci once said, “I have been impressed with the urgency of doing. Knowing is not enough; we must apply. Being willing is not enough; we must do.” Wally, you certainly “did” on Earth, and leave a legacy of love and hope for all who have been touched by your actions. Rest in peace knowing that your blueprints have helped many, and will continue to help many navigate and draw their own blueprints for life.

Surviving, in addition to his mother, are his daughters, Jessica and her husband, Chris Menick, and Lindsay Cullen; his adored grandchildren, Christopher and Julia Menick; his siblings, Joanne Cullen Jacoby and her husband, Joe, Linda Cullen Alexander and her husband, Joe, Kim Cullen Black and her husband, Keith, and Michael Cullen and his wife, Cynthia; the mother of his children, Jayne Cullen; several nieces, nephews and extended family; and many dear friends.

Wally will lie in repose on Sunday, February 23, 2020 from 2:00-4:30 p.m. in the Chapel of Wright & Ford Family Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 38 State Highway 31, Flemington, NJ 08822.

A prayer vigil celebrated by Fr. Matthew Marinelli will follow the visitation beginning at 4:30 p.m., and this will be followed by a life celebration service beginning at 4:45 p.m.; all are welcome at both ceremonies.

Committal prayers followed by cremation at the Chapel of Somerset Hills Memorial Park Crematory will take place privately under the direct supervision of the Wright & Ford Licensed Care Team Family.

Please visit Wally’s permanent memorial site at www.wrightfamily.com to light a memorial candle, leave messages of condolence, share words of comfort and recollection, and post photographs of his life.

In lieu of flowers, those who wish to honor Wally are asked to make a gift in his name to either Hunterdon Hospice, in appreciation for their tender and loving care of the family, or to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, both via ‘In Memory Of’. Please click HERE to be taken to his personal donation page.

For those who wish to make a contribution via mail, please make checks payable to “In Memory Of” and mail to P.O. Box 5472, Charlottesville, VA 22905. Kindly note ‘Wally Cullen, Jr.’ and either ‘HOSPICE’ or ‘ST. JUDE’ in the memo.

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Wright & Ford, your local, family owned & operated “Life Celebration Home”