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The Rev. Dr. Richard E 'Dick' MacCullagh CAPT ChC USN Ret, age 90, passed away on October 12, 2024, in Norfolk, Virginia. Born on September 10, 1934, in Boston, Massachusetts, Dick lived a life marked by faith, service, and an enduring commitment to both his family and his country.
While he was the only child of a single working mom, there were many men in his life who guided Dick. He was active in both Cub scouts and Boy Scouts. His junior high shop teacher, Fred Fosdick, connected him to the Boston Yacht club, where Dick worked as a deckhand on various boats. In addition to working as a 'Soda Jerk' and packing tool orders for Snap-on Tools, he was active in the Massachusetts Pilgrim Fellowship, where Rev. T. C. Day helped Dick recognize his call to Ordained Ministry. Dick was attending Harvard Church in Boston, where the organist, E. Power Biggs, started Dick on a lifelong love of classical music and pipe organs. Meanwhile, one of his teachers at Brighton High School, Dr. Arnold L. Ganley, and his wife Lorraine, functioned as a second set of parents.
After graduating from Brighton High School in Massachusetts, Dick went on to earn his Bachelor of Arts degree from Marietta College in Ohio in 1957. At Marietta, he met the love of his life, Marcia Flower from Waterbury Connecticut. They were married the day after they graduated from Marietta College.
He pursued his theological calling at Andover Newton Theological School in Newton Centre, Massachusetts, where he received a Master of Divinity in 1961 and later a Doctor of Ministry in 1979.
Dick began his ministry early, serving at Barlow, Watertown, and Vincent Presbyterian Churches in Ohio between 1956 and 1958. (Those three congregations held a Bridal Shower for Marcia prior to Dick and Marcia's June 4, 1957 wedding) He served at Park Congregational Church in Worcester MA until 1960, Then served at the Zumbrota (MN) Congregational Church where he was ordained as a United Church of Christ pastor, on June 4, 1961; (After having been recruited to come to Minnesota by former Connecticut Minister to youth, Rev. Carl Hanson). Both of Dick and Marcia's sons were born in Zumbrota, and the Zumbrota Church continued to minister to the MacCullagh family regardless of where the family resided.
His distinguished career as a Navy Chaplain began as a Lieutenant Junior Grade with the U.S. Navy Reserve in Minneapolis and culminated with the rank of Captain. Throughout his decades-long service, Dick ministered to countless sailors and Marines during assignments that included the New London Submarine Base in Groton, Connecticut; DesRon 21 in San Diego CA; Brunswick Naval Air Station (Maine); Mobile Riverine Force Task Force 117 River Assault Flotilla One River Assault Squadron 15 on the Mekong River during the Vietnam War; University of Pennsylvania ROTC program while enrolled in post graduate coursework; USCG Training and Supply Center Alameda CA; NAVCOMMSTAPHIL in San Miguel, Philippines; USS Fulton (AS-11); Naval Security Station Washington D.C.; National Naval Medical Center Bethesda MD; USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN-69); Naval Station Roosevelt Roads in Puerto Rico; and Naval Air Station Norfolk, VA.
Dick's military ribbons include the COAST GUARD ACHIEVEMENT MEDAL, and the Navy Expeditionary Medal. Other medals include the Bronze Star with Combat V (2 awards), Purple Heart, and Navy Commendation Medal with Combat V.
He was widely respected for his humility and servant leadership. Whether swabbing decks or assisting with underway replenishment operations alongside enlisted sailors 'often with his life jacket covering his insignia. Dick led by example. Many shipmates simply knew him as 'Dick,' unaware that he outranked even the Executive Officer. (By the time Dick received his next PCS orders, they had figured it out, but, by then, they were already on a first name basis)
Beyond his active-duty service, Dick remained engaged with the UCC community serving on the Church and Ministry Committee of his local UCC association, wherever he was assigned at the time, and as an interim pastor within the Eastern Virginia Association of the Southern Conference after retiring from the Navy. While stationed overseas in the Philippines, he extended hospitality to visiting UCCP clergy and Columban RC priests alike, demonstrating an unwavering commitment to ecumenical outreach.
Dick's personal life was deeply rooted in love for family and faith. He shared a devoted marriage with his wife Marcia until her passing earlier in 2024. Together they built a family grounded in compassion and service, putting family above career. Dick served as a leader in the PTO and his son's Boy Scout Troop.
Outside of ministry and military service, Dick found great joy in small boat sail boating, camping with the family, operating ham radios across continents (call sign KI4RQ)[ Military Auxiliary Radio System call sign NNN0YCT], and practicing marlin spike seamanship, reflection of both his love for craftsmanship and connection to the sea.
Dick was a Paid Up for Life member of American Legion Post 64 in Marietta Ohio, and a nongeographic member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars.
He is lovingly remembered by his sons Doug and Bruce (Marianne), sister-in-law G. Lynne Flower, nephews Tim and Greg (Paula) Flower, along with numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Dick was predeceased by Marcia, his daughter-in-law Kitty MacCullagh (Doug's wife), Marcia's brother Bill Flower, and many lifelong friends whose memories he held dear.
A graveside service [with Military Honors] honoring both Dick and Marcia MacCullagh will be 3:00 PM April 25, 2025, at Oak Grove Cemetery , located at 8th and Wooster Streets in Marietta, Ohio.
Because of Dick and Marcia's long life, most of their friends who did not predecease them and are still in contact with the family are not able to travel to pay their respects. Dick and Marcia considered Marietta College, Washington County, as well as Wood County to be a second home visiting every time they moved between east and west coasts, as well as their 10th, 25th and 50th wedding anniversaries. The graveside service is open to those who wish to join the family in paying their respects.