Feb. 17, 1937-June 18, 2006
Joseph R. Ciullo, 69, died on June 18, 2006.
He was born in Providence, R.I., to Joseph and Marion (Gray) Ciullo. He was reared and went to school in Providence and Pawtucket, R.I. He attended St. Raphael’s Academy.
He joined the Air Force in 1955 and was stationed at the Portland Air Base where he met his future wife, Laura Munts. They married on Aug. 16, 1956 in Sweet Home.
He was stationed at various Air Force bases in the United States and overseas, including Elmendorf Air Force Base in Anchorage, Alaska; Clark Air Field in the Philippines; Udorn Air Force Base in Thailand; and Macdill Air Force Base in Tampa, Fla. While in the Air Force, he was a flight chief for the F4 Phantoms and was a member of the Triple Nickel Squadron. He received an award for valor in Vietnam and many other commendations. He also served as a recruiter in Brockton, Mass., and Albany, N.Y.
He retired from the Air Force in 1978 and moved to his wife’s hometown, Sweet Home. He worked briefly for the Albany Post Office before pursuing his associate of science degree in business management from Linn-Benton Community College. He graduated with honors and then went on to be the Linn County Veterans Service officer for the next 18 years. He received many honors for his work with veterans and was honored as Linn County Veteran of the Year in 1995.
Joe, as he was called by his friends, and Richie, as he was called by his family, was involved in many civic activities. He served on the Sweet Home Planning Commission and was a member of the Sweet Home City Council for a term. He was a Scout master for the Boy Scouts in Albany, N.Y.
He was a member of St. Helen’s Catholic Church and a member of the Knights of Columbus. He enjoyed fishing, spending time with his family, especially his wife.
Mr. Ciullo is survived by his wife, Laura Ciullo; son and daughter-in-law, Scott A. and Sue Ciullo of Salem; son, Anthony D. Ciullo of Deltona, Fla.; daughter and son-in-law Theresa R. and Richard Shearer of Portland; son and daughter-in-law, Joseph and Shelly Ciullo Jr. of Sweet Home; 13 grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; brother and sister-in-law, Donald and Linda Ciullo; a nephew and niece; brother-in-law, Orville Munts; and extended family members, Tom and Estelle Mazotta, Sandy Ciullo and Debbie Ciullo.
He was preceded in death by his father, Joseph; mother, Marion; and brother, Douglas.
A service was held June 23 at St. Helen’s Catholic Church in Sweet Home.