J. Russell Cullen, Jr., an iconic leader in the Philadelphia construction industry for over five decades, passed away peacefully at his residence at Arbour Square in West Chester, PA on August 19, 2020 after a long illness. Known to everyone as "Russ," he was the son of the late J. Russell Cullen, Sr. and Mary (Missett), beloved husband of Maureen (McKeegan), father of Daniel (Cecile), James (Elizabeth), and Deborah, and proud grandfather of Catherine, Kieran, Julia, Patrick, Casey and Aidan.

Russ joined his family construction business, Nason and Cullen, Inc., in the early 1950's and would rise over the years to become President of one of the most successful and well know construction firms in the region.  The company's roots go all the way back to 1926, when Russ's father J. Russell Cullen, Sr. and his partner Walton Nason, Sr. began their business building in-ground swimming pools for many homes on the Main Line. Under Russ' leadership the 1960's, 70's and 80's, Nason and Cullen continued to grow and expand well beyond those early pool days, and went on to complete iconic projects for leading Philadelphia institutions and companies such as Comcast, Cigna, Cozen O'Connor, the Philadelphia School District, the University of Pennsylvania, LaSalle University, Saint Joseph's University, Main Line Health, Shared Medical Systems, IBM and Brandywine Realty Trust to name few.  Russ loved the industry, and took tremendous pride in the role his company played in building the Philadelphia landscape with projects like the Saint Joseph's University/Saint Joseph's Prep Boathouse (the first in 100 years), the beautiful restoration of the Philadelphia High School for the Creative and Performing Arts (CAPA), the Cancer Prevention Pavilion at Fox Chase Center, the construction of the first Four Falls office building in Conshohocken, the historic renovation of Claudia Cohen Hall (then Logan Hall) on the University of Pennsylvania campus, the international maintenance hangar for American Airlines, and hundreds of projects for hospitals, universities and private schools in the city and out on the Main Line.

Outside work Russ was a well-known figure in social circles on the Main Line, easily identifiable with his trademark hats and impeccable suits always accompanied with a smile.  He gave his time and talents to anyone who needed his help and expertise, including many well know Philadelphia charities, organizations, and clubs.  He is a Past President of the Carpenter Company of the City and County of Philadelphia, the oldest craft guild in the United States tracing its routes back to 1724 in the city.  He was a long time Board member of LaSalle University, Rosemont College and Fitzgerald Mercy Hospital.  Russ was a fierce supporter of Fox Chase Cancer Center who provided him outstanding care and treatment when he was ill.  He was a strong voice in the Chester County region for historic preservation and loved working with and advising the Chester County Historical Society.  While time with his family and watching his beloved grandchildren participate in sports and activities was his favorite,  Russ also loved to ski, play golf and sail his Catalina '22 boat On The Green .  He was a past Board member of Philadelphia Country Club, where he oversaw significant upgrades to the historic club, and later would add his expertise to improvements and expansion at the Dorset Field Club in Dorset, VT where he and Maureen enjoyed their retirement years.

Funeral services will be at Saints Peter and Paul Church in West Chester and will be private.  The family plans to hold a public memorial mass to honor Russ once conditions and health guidelines permit.

Like many in the tri-state area, Russ had his life extended and health restored as a long-time patient of Dr. Elin Sigurdson and her colleagues at Fox Chase Cancer Center.  In lieu of flowers, the family asks that any memorial gifts or donations be directed to Fox Chase Cancer Center, 333 Cottman Avenue, Philadelphia, PA  19111 in the memory of Russ Cullen.