“May the road rise to meet you.” Those words from the beloved Irish blessing capture the spirit of Bernard “Bernie” Cullen, 83, of Holmdel, New Jersey, who passed away peacefully on August 3, 2026. The old Irish blessing says, “May the wind always be at your back, may the sun shine warm upon your face, and may the rains fall soft upon your fields.” For many, these words express a hope for a life filled with happiness and good fortune. For Bernie, they were a reflection of how he lived. He spent his entire life making sure the wind was at everyone else’s back. He found purpose in encouraging others, supporting their dreams, and helping those around him succeed. His greatest joy came not from recognition for himself, but from seeing the people he loved reach their goals and find happiness.

Born on March 29, 1943, in the Bronx, New York, Bernie was the proud son of Irish immigrants. He carried his Irish heritage, strong Catholic faith, and New York City roots with him throughout his life. From the age of twelve, he learned the value of hard work, developing a work ethic that became the foundation of the man he would become. Growing up in Clason Point, he loved playing basketball and spending time with lifelong companions who remained an important part of his life. Through those treasured relationships, he met the love of his life, Rita, with whom he shared 56 wonderful years of marriage.

Bernie believed that if something was worth doing, it was worth doing well. Good enough was never enough. Whether at work, at home, or in service to those he loved, he gave his very best. He purposefully chose to lift others up, finding his greatest satisfaction not in personal recognition but in helping those around him succeed. His generosity, encouragement, and belief in others left a lasting impact on everyone fortunate enough to know him.

Determined to build a better future for his family, Bernie earned his business degree from Pace University while working full-time and attending night classes. His diligence, warmth, and integrity led to a successful career, beginning in product sales with Nabisco and continuing through 35 distinguished years with Schering-Plough. He was known for his genuine smile, quick wit, and ability to make everyone feel welcome, creating lasting connections with colleagues, clients, and those he encountered throughout his career.

His career brought the Cullen family from New York to Middletown, New Jersey, where Bernie spent nearly forty years creating a home filled with love, laughter, and constant encouragement. He took pride in every detail of that home—from his meticulously cared-for lawn to the simple joy of being close to the Jersey Shore—but nothing brought him greater happiness than his family.

Bernie was a devoted husband, a loving father, and a beloved “Papa.” He rarely sought the spotlight, choosing instead to stand behind those he loved, encouraging them to dream bigger, work harder, and believe in themselves. He never asked more of others than he expected of himself, leading by quiet example rather than words. He delighted in cheering on his children through every game, milestone, and achievement, and later found immense joy in attending his grandchildren’s sporting events, performances, and activities.

His greatest accomplishment was the family he nurtured and the values he instilled – faith, perseverance, humility, kindness, and a lifelong commitment to serving others. Bernie’s legacy lives on through the countless lives he strengthened with his kindness, generosity, and selfless love. He showed that true success is measured not by accolades, but by the people you lift up along the way.

Bernie is survived by his beloved wife, Rita; his children, Christopher, Tara (Justin), and Kevin (Christina); his six cherished grandchildren, Maeve, Ciara, Cullen, Paige, Luke, and Bridget; his sister-in-law, Linda, and many beloved nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, Kathleen and Charles Cullen; his sister, Kathleen Mador and her husband, James; and his brothers, John (Ellen), Charles (Elizabeth), and Gerald Cullen.

As we remember Bernie, we return to the Irish blessing he held so dear: “May the road rise to meet you.” May his journey continue in God’s eternal peace, and may those who loved him carry forward the kindness, faith, generosity, and selfless love that defined his remarkable life.

Visitation Thursday, August 6, 4:00-8:00 pm at the Holmdel Funeral Home, 26 South Holmdel Road, Holmdel.  Mass of Christian burial Friday, August 7, 10:30 am at Church of St. Catharine, 108 Middletown Road, Holmdel. Burial to follow in Mt. Olivet Cemetery, Middletown.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to: Middletown Helps Its Own  , PO Box 105, Port Monmouth, NJ 07758.