Peter Francis Cullum

Peter Francis Cullum

Peter F. Cullum, a devoted husband, father, and grandfather, died of natural causes in Scottsdale, AZ, on Saturday, May 24, 2025. He was 79 years old.

The eldest of ten children, Peter was born on August 19, 1945, in East Orange, NJ, to Lois and Frank Cullum. He is survived by his beloved wife of 53 years, Robyn; their three children, Elizabeth Bonacci, Frank Cullum, and Reynolds Cullum; and three cherished grandchildren, Leo, Peter, and Luca Bonacci.

Peter spent his early years in North Bergen, NJ, and attended St. Joseph's School until 5th grade, when the family moved to Essex Fells. Summers were often spent at Camp Notre Dame in New Hampshire. He later attended St. Al's, St. Peter's Prep, and graduated from West Essex High School.

He began college at St. Michael's in Vermont and completed his bachelor's degree in history at Upsala College in New Jersey, where he met Robyn. In the summer of 1969, Peter set off on an adventure working in Belgium with his brother Frank for McCullough Chain Saw Co. He later earned a master's degree in political science from Drew University.

From 1969 to 1972, Peter served as a First Lieutenant in the First Battalion, Sixth Marines. He worked as a congressional liaison officer, stationed in Newport, RI, and later at Camp LeJeune, NC. He married Robyn in October 1970, honeymooned in Europe, and welcomed their first child, Elizabeth, in 1972.

They built their life in New Jersey-first in Peapack and Bedminster, where son Frank was born in 1976, followed by a move to Lake Valhalla in Montville, where Reynolds was born in 1980. In 1981, the family returned to Essex Fells.

A voracious reader, history enthusiast, and gifted writer, Peter began his career as a journalist at The Herald News before transitioning to public relations. He held roles at Burson-Marsteller, Dean Witter Reynolds, Citibank, Comex, and finally Donley Communications in Manhattan, where he remained until his retirement in 2008. Peter could often be found in lively conversation with writers and artists at The Coffee House social club, or having lunch at historic P. J. Clarke’s.

Writing remained a lifelong passion. He penned eulogies for friends and family, explored fiction and family history, and occasionally contributed to The New York Times and local newspapers. After retirement, Peter and Robyn lived in Leonardo, NJ, before moving to Scottsdale in 2014 to be closer to their children and grandchildren.

In his later years, Peter loved road trips with his son Reynolds, exploring Arizona with a paper map always in hand. One of his most memorable adventures was traveling to Alaska with his two sons.

Faith was central to Peter's life. Every Sunday, he could be found at Mass, reading his well-worn leather missal. He will be remembered, as his late mother Lois once said, for “an elegance in his nature, goodness, patience, intelligence, understanding, kindness, fairness, truthfulness, and the ability to tell a good story."

Funeral Details

Funeral Mass Wednesday, June 11, 2025 - 10:30 a.m.

St. Bernadette Catholic Church

16245 N. 60th St., Scottsdale, AZ

Burial Ceremony

Wednesday, June 11, 2025 - 12:30 p.m.

National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona 2929 E. Pinnacle Peak Rd.,

Phoenix, AZ

A private celebration of Peter's life will follow the burial.