John J. Cullinane of Melrose, died December 27, 2009 at the Lahey Clinic Medical Center of Burlington. He was 80 years old. John was the son of Chief Walter F. Cullinane and Marie (Welch) Cullinane. He was a 1956 graduate of Boston College. After graduating from BC he began teaching at Boston English High School and later at Rindge Technical High School in Cambridge. In his retirement years, he ended his career substitute teaching at Melrose High School. Jack loved life! He was a very social person and had a wide array of friends who enjoyed his laughter and his wonderful sense of humor. Jack's day to day life revolved around his family and friends, his Church, the Knights of Columbus, social events at Boston College, community involvement in Melrose, music which was an integral part of his life, and spending time on Cape Cod. Jack was happiest when he was surrounded by his family and friends. He enjoyed celebrating holidays with family and was always in attendance at the many social gatherings of his wide circle of friends. He loved his Catholic Faith and for many years sang in the choir at the Church of the Incarnation. Jack's commitment to the mission and work of the Knights of Columbus was also very evident. He was a long-time, loyal and active member of the Melrose Council #128 where he served as past Grand Knight as well as a Fourth Degree Knight of St. Pious X Assembly. Boston College was an important part of Jack's world. He enjoyed attending BC Night at the Pops and Laetare Sunday events, and most of all he was a devoted fan of the BC Eagles football team. Jack held season's tickets and loved tailgating with his many BC friends at all the home games. Music played a big part in Jack's life. During college he was a member of the BC Glee Club as well as being a member of the choir at the Church of the Incarnation. He could be heard singing anywhere at any time. He had a wide selection of music and especially enjoyed Broadway show tunes and Gregorian chant. Jack's favorite place in the world was Cape Cod. From the time he was a young man, he began spending summers on the Cape. Falmouth was his old stomping grounds. He loved the New Seabury and Popponesset area as well, where he and his wife purchased a summer home. From there, he often spent his days on the Cape visiting his many friends who lived in the area. Jack was a very social being and could not go anywhere without knowing someone somewhere or making friends along the way. He would encounter someone for the first or fiftieth time and exclaim "You're a good kid!" His family and friends could always count on Jack to be supportive, to be a cheerleader, to be the one to tell a joke or spice up a gathering. He will be missed by the many, many people whose lives he touched. He was the beloved husband of Rosina (Orr) Cullinane with whom he shared 48 years of marriage. Caring brother of Anna Couture & her late husband Richard of Waltham, Eugene Cullinane & his wife Shirley of Maryland and Eleanor Sine & her husband Richard of Florida. Also survived by several nieces, nephews and cousins. Funeral from the Gately Funeral Home 79 W. Foster St., Melrose on Thursday Dec. 31st at 8:45AM. Funeral Mass in the Church of the Incarnation, 425 Upham St., Melrose at 10AM. Relatives & friends respectfully invited. Visiting hours on Wednesday from 4-8PM. Burial in Wyoming Cemetery, Melrose. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Boston College Class of 1956 Office of Development More Hall # 220 140 Commonwealth Ave., Chestnut Hill, MA 02467. For directions & to sign guest book visit www.gatelyfh.com