Edwin Joseph McCullough, "Ed”, passed away on January 21, 2026, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, in the compassionate care of the Heinz VA Medical Center. He was born on January 12, 1945, in Rochester, Pennsylvania, and was a longtime resident of the Ambridge, Pennsylvania area.

Ed’s life was shaped by his service to his country as a United States Marine with the 5th Marine Regiment "Fighting Fifth”. He enlisted in Pittsburgh, trained at Camp Pendleton and earned a Bronze Star during his time in Vietnam. Ed was deeply devoted to his fellow veterans and found community and belonging through the VFW "The Club” in Coraopolis.

Ed was preceded in death by his parents, Cornelius and Barbara McCullough, and several siblings. He shared a lifetime of memories with his brothers and sisters: Rose Paracca (deceased); James McCullough (deceased) and his wife Patricia (deceased); Barbara Ann Reinard and her husband Howard (deceased); Mary Emma McCullough; Cornelius "Tom” McCullough and his wife Patricia (deceased); John McCullough (deceased) and his wife Sis; Catherine Harris and her husband Carl; Michael McCullough (deceased) and his wife Cindy; and Bernadette Kyle.

The true center of Ed’s later life was his wife, Geraldine (Cooper) McCullough. For 34 years, Geraldine loved Ed with extraordinary devotion, standing beside him with patience, strength, and unwavering loyalty. She was his wife, his best friend, his advocate, loving him fully through every season of life. Her compassion, perseverance, and fierce commitment defined the stability and dignity of Ed’s later years.

Ed’s pride and joy were his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren: Colleen Connelly, her children Devon and Chloe; Erin Wilhelm, her husband James, their children Madison, Sydney, Allie and Hunter; Jenny Seybold, her husband Joe, their children Holden, Elaina and Dane; Michael McCullough, his wife Tressa, their children Garrett, Dakota, William and Julia and grandchildren Ellanor and Samuel. California trips were filled with watching their sports and activities, playing poker and enjoying family dinners.

He also formed deep bonds with Geri’s grandchildren, whom he embraced as his own. Ashley and Tyler Safranek (Tammy Safranek); Dahlia, Eve and Colton Cooper (David Cooper); McCoy, Mattis and Mason Cooper (Brian Cooper) all would laugh with delight in his presence.

He had an extraordinary love for his grandchildren; nothing made him shine more than being called "Grandpa Ed”.

Those who knew Ed remember his spontaneous smile, singing without warning, and moments of warmth that appeared when least expected. His ability to tell a story was evidenced in the stillness of a room after he began to speak. His stories were true, although some had doubts. Nothing was more disconcerting than when he would tell you his poker hand as you were about to bet against him. He connected with people wherever he went and made fast friends from infants to the elderly. Ed will be remembered especially with fondness by his life-long friends at "The Club.”

A Funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, February 2nd, 2026 at Saint Luke the Evangelist Roman Catholic Parish located at 725 Glenwood Ave, Ambridge, PA 15003. Interment will follow immediately after the mass at Good Samaritan Cemetery located at 808 Big Sewickley Creek Road in Bell Acres, PA 15220.