Joseph John “Bass” Cullinane, age 80, of Belleville, IL, formerly of Fairview Heights, IL, born on December 14, 1941, in East St. Louis, IL, died on Tuesday, August 30, 2022, at St. Paul’s Home, Belleville, IL.
Joe had mental health challenges during his lifetime. This, however, did not deter him from an engaging and enjoyable life. After retirement, Joe focused more time on his very favorite past time, fishing, for which he was known as Joe “Bass.” Joe was the Founder and CEO of IFA (Independent Fishermen of America).
Joseph was a United States Air Force Vietnam War Veteran and served his country from 1964 to 1968, including service in Guam and Thailand. He retired from the United States Postal Service after 30 years of service. Joseph was a member of O’Fallon (IL) Sportsmen’s Club, the 3rd Degree K of C Council #592, D.A.V. “Forget Me Not” Chapter 24, of Belleville, IL, and American Postal Workers, Gateway Local. Joe was a 1960 graduate of the former Assumption High School and also attended St. Philip’s Catholic School. At Assumption, his level of service activity merited him the school’s highest honor, the Gold Circle Award.
Joseph was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph James and Louise Bernadette, nee Goff Cullinane. He is survived by many cousins and dear friends Sylvia Musial, Joseph Williams, and Diana Douglas.
Donations may be made to the O’Fallon Sportsmen’s Club or to Recovery International
Visitation will be held on Friday, September 23, 2022, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Kassly Mortuary, Ltd., Fairview Heights, IL.
Visitation will also be held on Saturday, September 24, 2022, from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. at St. Augustine of Canterbury Catholic Church, Belleville, IL.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, September 24, 2022, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Augustine of Canterbury Catholic Church, Belleville, IL, with Msgr. William McGhee officiating. Interment will be in Mt Carmel Cemetery, Belleville, IL.
To send flowers
to the family or plant a tree
in memory of Joseph Cullinane, please visit our floral store.