Peter Carl Culos Jr., 95, of Red Bank, passed away Dec. 27, 2023. Peter was born Feb. 8, 1928, and lived his early years in New York City until moving to what was then the suburb of Linden. At Linden High School Peter excelled at football and helped lead the Linden Tigers to two state championships in 1945 and 1946. He went on to play college football at Chattanooga University. Peter left college before he completed his degree when his father, Peter Culos Sr., became sick. Peter took over running his father’s business, Linden Tile Company, while his father recovered.
Peter Sr. made a full recovery but Peter Jr. remained in the family business for his entire career. He became a skilled tradesman and a successful family businessman. In 1950, when his country called, Peter was inducted into the United States Army; he served two years of active duty as a military policeman and played football for the Fort Dix team. He also served four years in the ready Reserves and was honorably discharged in 1956.
He married Dorothy in 1963 and the couple had a twin boy and girl, Peter Carl III and Pamela Ann. The young family moved from Linden to the small town of Little Silver in 1966 where Peter and Dorothy raised their children. The family became part of the close-knit community, spending summer days at the beach. Peter got to cultivate his passion for golf. He was a member of Old Orchard Country Club for many years and played all of the Monmouth County golf courses as much as he could. Even when he could no longer physically play the game, he watched it religiously on television.
After the death of his wife, Peter became the sole caregiver to his two children until he found love again with his second wife Judy. In 1986, with his children off at college, he married Judy. The couple enjoyed 40 years together before Peter’s death. Peter and Judy had a very active social life with the “Briody Bunch” and had many great friends. Peter also loved to have his family around him, especially all of his nieces, nephews and granddaughter.
Peter is survived by his wife Judith; sister Doris; son Peter; daughter Pamela; stepsons Edwin Sutphin and John Sutphin and their children and grandchildren; his granddaughter Annie; his beloved sisters-in-law, Mary Kenny and Sue Kenny; his nephews, Paul, Craig, Glenn and Dan; and his nieces Kelly, Patti, and Lauri.
He was predeceased by his parents, Peter and Irma; brother Albert; and his first wife Dorothy. Peter treated his friends like family and has left behind 95 years of smiles and the echo of his booming laugh.
A Mass of Christian Burial was held Jan. 2, 2024, at St. James Church, Red Bank. Burial was private. Arrangements are under the direction of Thompson Memorial Home, Red Bank. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Red Bank Local #39 Policeman’s Benevolent Association.
This article originally appeared in the January 11 – 17, 2024 print edition of The Two River Times.
