Poland-Frank Gene McCullough, age 84, died Thursday, September 5, 2024, at Hospice of the Valley’s Hospice House.
Born July 13, 1940 in Akron, Ohio, Gene was the son of the late Benjamin Franklin McCullough and Mary Belle Kaster McCullough. When Gene was an infant, the McCullough family relocated to Poland, where Gene remained a lifelong resident.
Growing up on Renwick Drive, Gene had many fond memories of the neighborhood and graduated from Poland Seminary High School with the Class of 1958. He later moved to the township to “Quailwood” on Clingan Road, the log cabin home of author Ethel Hull Miller and her horse White Saddle, before settling down to a neighborhood, where he was referred to as the “Mayor of Forest Hill.” Gene was also fondly known by many as “Flint.” Flint McCullough was the wagon master played by Ward Bond originally in the TV series, Wagon Train, and the nickname has stuck with him ever since.
Gene proudly served in the United States Army attached to the Ohio National Guard and attained the rank of Sergeant. He was awarded the National Defense Service Medal along with other awards and was honorably discharged in 1968.
Gene worked and served in the Poland community all his life. As a young man, he loved working at Thomas Brothers Sunoco and later was the Poland Village Street Commissioner during the Poland Bicentennial. Gene was a member of the Poland Volunteer Fire Department, first as a junior firefighter, and eventually achieved the rank of Captain. A member of the Poland Fireman’s Association, his service to the fire department aided him greatly in his work with several insurance companies as a senior claims adjuster and property specialist.
In his career, he adjusted many huge commercial fire losses and was an active member of the International Association of Arson Investigators. In 1993, he was named claims handler of the year from his last employer, Erie Insurance. Throughout the years, Gene has helped countless friends with his insightful advice and guidance on insurance claims and losses.
Gene served on the Poland Municipal Forest Board, briefly worked with the Poland Township Street Department, and was currently a member of the Poland Township Zoning Commission. He looked forward to new housing developments in the township and was a true wealth of knowledge when it came to Poland’s history and its residents.
Gene was also a member of the Poland Masonic Lodge No. 766 F&AM and of the Methodist faith.
On July 11, 1977, Gene married Deborah Mitovich, and they celebrated 47 wonderful years of marriage. Gene was a wonderful provider whose family always came first and he always provided such devotion and love to his small closest circle of family, neighbors, and friends. He will be lovingly remembered as a loving husband, brother, uncle, and beloved friend to many. A lover of animals, Gene especially adored his dogs and many cats that he sheltered throughout his adult years. Gene will also be missed by his “kitty-friends” that he leaves behind, Harry and Snow.
In his leisure time, he found joy in attending YSU football games for over 30 years, cooking, and was a voracious reader, not only of history, but most recently of all popular fiction authors and thrillers. It helped that Deborah is a librarian.
Gene was preceded in death by his parents and grandparents, as well as his wife’s parents, Nicholas and Lola Mitovich, Sr., and brother-in-law, Donald Beam.
Gene leaves to cherish his memory, his wife, Deborah McCullough; sister, Patricia (Ted) Isue of North Canton; brother-in-law, Nicholas (Joann) Mitovich, Jr.; sister-in-law, Saundra Mitovich-Beam; nieces and nephews, Nicole Lola (Richard) Pygott, Daniel Paul (Stacy) Mitovich, David (Lori) Isue, Jennifer (Tom) Todd; and several great-nieces and great-nephews. Gene will be missed by so many friends who he touched with his candor, wit, and humor.
The family would like to thank the doctors, nurses, and staff of Mercy Health Hospital’s Neurological Intensive Care Unit whose kindness and care were unsurpassed. The family would also like to thank the staff and nurses from Hospice of the Valley for their professional and compassionate care that they provided for Gene in his final hours.
At his request, it is Gene’s wish that there will be no calling hours or funeral service. A Celebration of Life is indefinite at this time. Deborah and the family thank so many families and friends who offered their prayers and compassionate sympathy.
Memorials tributes in Gene’s name may be sent to Angels for Animals, 4750 W. South Range Rd., Canfield, OH 44406; Hospice of the Valley, 9803 Sharrott Rd., Poland, OH 44514; or the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County, 305 Wick Ave., Youngstown, OH 44503.
Family and friends may visit www.beckerobits.com to share memories and condolences with Gene’s family.
May his memory be eternal.
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