Jerome T. "Jerry" McCullough, Jr.

Jerome T. McCullough, Jr., known as Jerry, raised in Wakefield and a longtime resident of North Reading, passed away on May 9, 2026 after the most courageous fight with Parkinson’s Disease. He was born in Melrose on February 6, 1953 and was the son of the late Jerome T. and Virginia (Farnham) McCullough.

Jerry graduated from Wakefield High School in the Class of 1971. He furthered his education at the University of Lowell School of Nursing, where he earned his nursing degree in 1976.

Jerry had three loves in his life; his family and his two careers. He began his nursing career at Melrose-Wakefield Hospital, dedicating 51 years to the profession, with 49 of those years spent in the Emergency Room. Jerry was also a proud member of the Wakefield Fire Department, retiring in 2009 after serving the town of Wakefield for 32 years.

Beyond his professional commitments, Jerry treasured time spent with his wife, enjoying rides to destinations near and far. From New York City for a deli sandwich to the mountains of New Hampshire and Vermont, Jerry loved a good car ride with Kathy. Annual April trips to Siesta Key, Florida began decades ago with the kids and were always a highlight of his year, he and Kathy returning home from their most recent vacation just two weeks ago. Summers at North Beach in Hampton, trips to Texas to see Becky, Sasha, and the girls, and attending Tucker’s mandolin concerts were among his pleasures. He loved being Poppie to his grandchildren, who brought joy through their surprise visits. Jerry was the cherished grill master during cookouts, and always looked forward to Tuesday night pizza from Pizzeria Regina and dinners in the North End.

He was the beloved husband of Kathleen (McDonald) McCullough. He was the loving father of Sarah (Collins) Slack and her husband Daniel Slack, Jr. of Newmarket, NH, Zachary Collins and his wife Dana of Bel Air, MD, Seth McCullough and his wife Katrina of Hampton, NH, and Rebecca (McCullough) Nodia and her husband Sasha of Austin, TX. He was the adoring grandfather of Tucker, Beau, Oscar, and Mabel Slack, and Mariam and Sophia Nodia, and Benjamin McCullough. He was the brother of Linda Cooper and her husband Paul of Boxford, Patricia Dunn of Beverly, Elaine McCormack of Wakefield, and Joanne Albarelli of Ruskin, FL. He is predeceased by his brothers-in-laws John Dunn and Sean McCormack, as well as Kenneth Fox.

His Funeral Mass will be celebrated in Lazarus Center for Healing Shrine (formerly St. Florence Church) 47 Butler Ave., Wakefield on Tuesday, May 19 at 10am. Visitation for relatives and friends will be held at the McDonald Funeral Home, 19 Yale Ave., Wakefield on Monday, May 18 from 4-7pm.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Last Call Foundation, whose mission is to improve the health and wellness of firefighters nationwide.

Last Call Foundation, c/o Czerlonka Event Design, 109 State Street Suite #2, Boston, MA 02109, lastcallfoundation.org