Francis J. “Frank” McCullough Sr., 98, previously of Salisbury Township, died peacefully July 23, 2023, with his loving family at Country Meadows, Allentown. Born in East Kingston, N.Y., he was the son of the late Thomas and Alice (Pierce) McCullough. He was the husband of the late Rita M. (Herzog) McCullough who died in 2019. They celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary May 10, 2018.

During World War II, he served as a flight engineer on a B-17 aircraft with the 8th Air Force, 391st bomb group, stationed in England. He and his crew flew 34 combat missions over Germany targeting munitions and industrial sites. He received the Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Medal, American Campaign and European-Africa-Middle Eastern Campaign medals.

He began his sales career with Underwood Corporation, Kingston, N.Y., followed by the National Cash Register Corporation (NCR), Worcester, Mass., New York and Allentown, retiring after 25 years of service. He later became the sacristan at St. Thomas More Church for more than 20 years, retiring in 2020. He was a former president of the Men of St. Thomas, a Eucharistic minister and head usher. He was a member of St. Thomas More Parish since 1972.

He was chairman of the Salisbury Recreation Commission, former president and board of directors member of Hamilton Park Athletic Association. He began the girls kickball and softball programs, in addition to being actively involved in coaching baseball and the girls softball teams. In 1999, Salisbury Township Board of Commissioners named Lindberg Park Field #2 “McCullough Field” and installed a plaque in his honor of his 25 years of service to the community youth. That year, the Allentown Recreation Commission awarded him the George “Buck” Boyle Award for dedication to children in the area. He began the Salisbury Township summer playground program and the Salisbury Township yard waste recycling center. In 2003, he was named to the Salisbury Township Board of Commissioners for the 5th Ward until he retired and was also a Republican committeeman of the Salisbury Township 5th Ward.

He was a third degree member of the Knights of Columbus, Emmaus American Legion Post 191, the Forty & Eight veterans organization, TPA and Men of St. Thomas. He was one of the founding members and president of the Ulster County Republican Club and the East Kingston Volunteer Fire Department.

He loved his family, friends and church. He was an avid baseball fan (N.Y. Yankees) and skilled equestrian with an impeccable work ethic.

He is survived by his children; Nancy Bassig (George), of Emmaus, Debra, of Gilbertsville, Frank Jr. (Janet), of Palmyra, Tom (LeeAnn), of Crofton, Md.; grandchildren, Bryan Bassig, David (Victoria), Jennifer, Thomas, Laura Rohrbach, Lauren Vajdic (Carson), Christopher, Katelyn, Lindsey; great-grandchildren, Noah and Estelle Rohrbach; brother, Edward, of New Paltz, N.Y.; many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by sisters, Irene, Joan Steegmuller, Marie Dickens; brother, Robert.

Contributions may be made in his name to the St. Thomas More School Scholarship Fund, 1040 Flexer Ave., Allentown, 18103.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10 a.m. Aug. 25 at St. Thomas More Church, 1040 Flexer Ave, Allentown. A visitation will be held 9 to 9:45 a.m. in the church preceding the Mass. Arrangements are entrusted to the Stephens Funeral Home, Inc. Allentown.