James Shannon “Duke” McCulley III of Southampton died on September 29, 2019. He was 84.
Born in Cleveland, Ohio, on January 21, 1935, to James Shannon McCulley Jr. and Elsie (Stringer) McCulley, he came to Long Island in his early years and graduated from Bay Shore High School, where he starred in many sports. He went on to attend Marquette University where he played basketball and football. He worked in marketing in New York City before coming to Southampton in 1971, opening Peconic Beverage. His love of driving lead to a later-life career as a personal driver to many Southampton residents.
Mr. McCulley had numerous talents, interests and memberships, which included Catholic Youth Organization basketball coach, Rotary Club, North Sea Lions, Southampton Town Republican Committee, retired member of the Southampton Fire Department, and an active member of the Knights of Columbus and Basilica Parish of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary, where he served as head usher.
Survivors said he will be remembered for his love of family, warm smile, easy going personality, and as an avid golfer and lover of all sports.
Mr. McCulley is survived by his wife of 61 years, Noreen Hausman McCulley; his children, James IV, Sean (Tase), Colleen (Chris) Farnam, Terence (Esperanza) and Karen (Dennis) Bontempo; and grandchilren, Sarah Bontempo Johnston (Cal), Kelsey McCulley, Christian Farnam, Cole Farnam, Nicholas Bontempo, Connor Farnam, Carmen and Owen McCulley; and siblings, Maureen (Connie) Rosko, Karen Willis, Dennis (Joan) McCulley, Tim (Susan) McCulley and Erin Isbell; and brother-in-law Charles (Diane) Hausman; and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brother-in-law, Walter Willis; and nephews, Brian Isbell and Joshua Islam.
Visitation was at the O’Connell-Rothwell Funeral Home in Southampton. A funeral Mass was held at the Basilica Parish of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary Church in Southampton. Interment followed at Sacred Hearts Cemetery in Southampton.
Memorial donations may be made to the “Nomine Domini Fund” at the Basilica Parish of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary in Southampton, or a charity of the donor’s choice.
Staff Writer on Oct 7, 2019