Obituary of Daniel B. Cullen

Daniel B. Cullen, 69, of Katonah, NY, died on Saturday, October 4, 2025, of complications from pulmonary fibrosis. He died at home, with his family.

Dan was born in Tampa, FL, in 1956 to Lucille Curry Cullen and Marvin Cullen. After graduating from Saint Ignatius High School, Dan attended the College of the Holy Cross, where he met many of his lifelong friends. He earned a BA in English Literature in 1978 and married fellow Holy Cross alum Chris Welch in 1980. Dan’s essential love of books and ideas guided his work throughout his life. It took him abroad to study Irish literature, to Pantheon Books, where he worked as an associate editor, and, in 1986, to the American Booksellers Association. Until his retirement as Chief Strategy Officer in 2022, Dan was a passionate advocate for the vital role of independent bookstores in American communities. In his retirement, Dan was able to devote more time to his hobbies—writing, cheering on the Knicks, sending interesting articles to his friends and family, and reading the New York Times obituaries and corrections.

At home, Dan was a loving husband and father, whose careful attention to others, thoughtful conversation, and humor will be deeply missed. Through his work with the Bedford Democrats, Dan strove to put his values into action. A dedicated Zen practitioner, Dan was a member of the Still Mind Zendo for over twenty years, where the spiritual connections he made nourished him.

Dan is survived by his wife of 45 years, Chris; his daughters, Nora (Amanda) and Gwen (Joshua); his grandson, Joel; and half-sister, Karen Lynn Luke. Dan lived a life full of books, rich conversations, silly jokes, and spontaneous kitchen dance parties. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

Following a private interment, the family will be hosting a celebration of Dan’s life. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Team Telomeres.