August 15, 2024
Mark Cullings, a beloved longtime resident of Hingham, Massachusetts, passed away on August 5, 2024 at the age of 78. He was known for his kindness, generosity, and unwavering love for his family, friends, and community. Mark was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and friend to many.
Mark was born on September 24, 1945, in Rochester, NY. He always spoke fondly about his life growing up on a farm, and taught many the details of how to properly pick a good ear of corn, and certainly when not to eat a bad one. After graduating from high school, he attended Union College, enrolled in ROTC. He fulfilled his commitment to the United States Air Force during the challenges of the Vietnam War and served for over five years. In 1967, at a party in Cleveland Circle in Boston he met his future wife, Janice Ross. They were married in August 1968. After retiring from the Air Force, Mark flew for Delta Airlines, ultimately being promoted to Captain with leadership roles including being a Line Check Airman. Mark proudly flew the Boeing 767 on transatlantic flights for Delta for over 30 years, retiring in 2004.
In 1979, Mark and his family moved to Hingham and set up their life at 44 Spring Street. He was instantly passionate about the Hingham community. Some of his contributions included working with the Hingham Merchants’ Association to begin Hingham’s Christmas in the Square, serving on the Hingham School Committee for 10 years, being a founding member of the Hingham Education Foundation and the Hingham Sports Partnership. His love for the history of Hingham led to an integral role in the refurbishment and remodel of the Hingham Heritage Museum. One of his greatest contributions was re-establishing the Hingham Farmers Market over 25 years ago, serving as its President until his death. The market provided him such joy and he worked tirelessly to support its success. He was often seen walking around shaking hands, making conversation and taking photos.
Beyond his civic involvement and passion, his heart always lay first with his family and friends. Mark loved spending time with them traveling the country and world, going for walks on Turkey Hill and Whitney and Thayer Woods, cooking and cherishing great meals, enjoying great wines, listening to the legends of the 60s and 70s, and living life. Mark always worked hard to maintain his beautiful home on Spring Street. And of course, many of us will remember having a fleeting glance of Mark driving around town in his green convertible Triumph with the head of Tarzan, his Corgi, sticking just up above the dashboard. Most of all he loved spending time with his daughters and hugging his four grandchildren.
Mark lost his wife of 41 years, Janice Cullings, to breast cancer in 2009. Mark is survived by his two daughters, Carolyn and Lauren, and his four grandchildren, Emerson (Emme), Andrew, Luca, and Giulia. Mark was predeceased by his older brother, Emerson, who passed away at the age of 83 in 2019.
His family and friends will miss Mark dearly. His legacy of wisdom, compassion, and dedication to community, family and friends will continue to inspire all who knew him. A celebration of Mark’s life will be held at Old Ship Church in Hingham, Massachusetts on September 14th at 3:00 PM. At 8:30AM that same morning, there will be a ceremony in honor of him at the Hingham Farmers Market prior to the opening bell. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be made to Hingham Farmers Market, reflecting his commitment to that organization and all that it represents to the community. Please make checks payable to Hingham Farmers Market and mail them to Beverly Vernon, 31 School St, Hingham, MA 02043.
Mark’s passing comes at an immeasurable loss, but his memory and all that he shared with us and taught us will forever remain in our hearts. He will be greatly missed. May he rest in peace.
We all miss Mark in so many ways. This is a bit of my memory which few readers may be aware of from c2020 and earlier.
Although I am a 4th generation HInghamite currently retired and living on the Cape after growing up on Cottage St and raising my family on lower Main St, I remember when Mark put me in touch with Dave Bushy. Mark knew that I was a former Navy LT and spent from Dec 69 to Dec 70 deployed to Saigon. Having traveled to at least 15 Navy bases throughout the country, he thought I might be interested in a book Dave had written about a VN Navy LT, Quoc Pham, who was finally able to escape the Communist Regime after the fall of Saigon. My office was at VN Navy Headquarters in Saigon (Hai Quan Vietnam Cong Hoa).
There happened to be a book signing and talk by Dave and Quoc Pham at Cape Cod Community College coming up, so I went there and connected with them. We had much in common as Quoc quoted many locations in Saigon and had to hide in back roads, etc, that I knew so well. Sadly he is now gone, too.
I am indebted to Mark, and knowing Mark, and his sharing this connection which brings back both good and not-so-good memories.
Cam On, Mark.