Edward J. 'Teddy' Cullen

Norwood – Mr. Edward J. 'Teddy' Cullen, Jr., of Norwood, formerly of Watertown died on Sunday June 8th, 2014 in his home surrounded by family after a lengthy illness. He was 77.

Son of the late Edward and Mary (Mark) Cullen, Ted was raised and educated in the town of Arlington, MA. Affectionately given the nickname "Top Cat" in his youth, Ted was proud to have tap danced his way onto the stage of the Capitol Theatre in Arlington alongside his childhood friend, Al Silva. Shortly after high school Ted enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. At the time of his retirement, Ted, (also known as Ed to his co-workers), was Vice President of Purchasing at Mitek Surgical Products.

The perfect fit in love, life and on the dance floor Ted was happily married to Watertown native Bette A. Forte until her passing on May 1, 2014. Ted's life revolved around his family. Ted and Bette worked hard to provide for their family and always put their children first. Summers spent on Cape Cod with family and friends were cherished memories. A family trip to Disney World in 1991 that included Bette and Ted's children and grandchildren was even more special. Any time spent with his family made Ted's heart smile. In his spare time Ted enjoyed evenings spent playing cards and occasional nights out dancing with Bette. Always the marine Ted took pride in his appearance. No outfit was ever complete unless his shoes were shined and there was a clean hanky in his pocket. Always faithful, Ted put his family first until the very end.

The husband of the late Betty A. (Forte) Cullen he is survived by his children, Donna Cullen of Tennessee, Darlene Cullen, Karen Lopez and her husband, James, Kathleen Cullen and her fiancé, Steve Cote, and Mark Cullen, all of Norwood; his grandchildren, Michelle Bowen, Cheryl Nye, Anthony Cota, Paul Lopez, Brian Lopez, Anthony Lopez, Sabrina Roy, Matthew Roy and Michael Roy; his sisters, Carol Daniels of Stoneham, Marilyn McCarthy of Arlington and Denise Cullen of Arizona; eight great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

Ted was the grandfather of the late James G. Lopez, Jr. and brother of the late James, Leonard, and Lawrence Cullen.

Family and friends will honor and remember Ted's life by gathering for calling hours in The Joyce Funeral Home, 245 Main Street (Rte. 20), Waltham on Friday, June 13, from 4 to 7 p.m. and again at 8 a.m. on Saturday morning before leaving in procession to Saint Patrick's Church, 212 Main Street, Watertown, where his Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 9 a.m. Burial will follow in Ridgelawn Cemetery, Watertown.

Memorial donations may be made to The Norwood Senior Center, 275 Prospect Street, Norwood, MA 02062.