Michael Brady Culhane

Brilliant, kind, passionate and generous, Michael Brady Culhane died August 24. Throughout his long life, Mike was a risk-taker, dreamer and poet who passionately pursued that which was interesting, challenging and just. A graduate of Norwalk High (‘59) and Fairfield University (‘63; MA, ‘65), Mike began his career as an English teacher at Rippowam High School in Stamford followed by Joel Barlow High School in the 1970s, where he taught English and directed the school’s theatre productions. During the mid-1970s, he embarked on successful careers as a builder and then as a specialist in excavation and site work.

For many years during the 1980s and early 90s, he was an active and dedicated member of the West Redding Volunteer Fire Department, serving the community as an EMT-IV, firefighter and department chief. He was a member of the Gaelic-American Club of Fairfield, where he enjoyed playing penny whistle with the Shamrogues, the performing group of the Shamrock Traditional Irish Music Society.

Mike was a great teacher who spent a lifetime questing for knowledge, and also actively pursuing and mastering many creative and technical interests. To the very end, he was dreaming about his next house or boat building project. 

A loving husband and father, he is survived by his wife Sandra Culhane of Fairfield, daughters Megan Culhane Galbraith of NY, Jennifer Culhane Cumme of CA, and Kerri Culhane of NY; grandchildren Jesse, Jenna and Sam Galbraith and Kion Cumme; three great-grandsons and many beloved in-laws, cousins, nieces and nephews. He’s also survived by his wife’s children, Tara Lambert, Alex Seen, and grandchildren Jason and James Lambert and Makenna Seen. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Roberta.

A brief service will take place at Spear-Miller Funeral Home in Fairfield on September 9. Gather at 12:30 for a service at 1pm. Please join us immediately afterwards for lunch at the Gaelic-American Club, 74 Beach Rd., Fairfield.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to a charity that is meaningful to you.