Edward "Ed" McCullough

Edward (Ed) McCullough, 87, formerly of Sharon, PA, passed away peacefully in the early morning hours of Friday, December 26, 2025, at Traditions of Hershey in Palmyra, PA.

Ed was born on March 9, 1938, in Washington, PA. He was the son of Albin Clyde McCullough and Margaret (Zilke) McCullough of Claysville, PA. A 1956 graduate of Claysville High School, he went on to earn a Bachelor of Science degree in biology and social studies from Slippery Rock State College in 1961.

Professionally, Ed spent a year teaching at Neshannock High School and then spent the next 30 years as a biology and human physiology educator at Brookfield High School in Brookfield, OH. His career as an educator was highlighted by his selection as a National Institutes of Health Centennial Teacher in 1987 and as a nominee for the Presidential Awards for Excellence.

Additionally, Ed was an accomplished and lifelong swimmer who began competing at Slippery Rock State College, where he quickly rose to become captain of the swim team during his senior year. Following graduation, he devoted himself to the sport both as a competitor and as an official, officiating scholastic and collegiate swim meets for 47 years.

His aquatic achievements earned him induction into the Mercer County Hall of Fame in 2004 and the Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame in 2005. Over decades of Masters swimming competition, Ed set numerous state and national records and won multiple state and national championships across several age groups. During the 1980s, he was honored as a member of the AAU National Top Ten Team, recognizing swimmers who posted the nation’s best times.

Even in his later years, Ed continued to compete at the highest levels. He earned multiple gold medals at both the Ohio State Bicentennial Senior Olympics and the Keystone State Games, where he also established age-group records — a testament to his lifelong dedication, discipline, and love of the sport.

Ed was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 64 years, Barbara (Kweder) McCullough, whom he married on June 24, 1961, and who passed away on October 15, 2025. He was also preceded in death by his brothers, Robert and John McCullough, and his sister, Jean (McCullough) Strott.

Ed is survived by his son, Kevin McCullough (Jody) of Hummelstown, PA, and his daughter, Kimberly McCullough of Virginia Beach, VA, his twin brother, Ernie McCullough (Nila) of Ohio, and his cat Boots. The family is grateful to the Cooks for adopting Boots into their home.

The family will receive friends from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 12, 2026, at Sample-O'Donnell Funeral Home, 555 East State Street, Sharon, PA. A memorial service will follow at 2:00 p.m., with Rev. Dr. Glenn Hink officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Buhl Club, where Ed volunteered as a lifeguard for more than two decades.