Obituary: Richard N. Kull Jr. of Ocean City

Kull, Richard N.,  Jr., 83, born November 15, 1929, passed away peacefully in his sleep the morning of August 24, 2013. 

He is survived by his wife Mary Anne, children Lawrence Kull (Deborah), Richard Kull (Robin), Stephen Kull (Carolyn), John Kull, Susan Lanzavecchia (Peter), son in law James Gee, Scott Miller, Christopher Miller(Jamie), grandchildren David Kull(Michelle), Richard Kull, Jamie Galemba (David), Kristi Langston (Kenneth), Nicole McGarvey (Tom), CJ Kull (Geralyn) , Christopher Kull (Alexis), Keri Lanzavecchia, Kristen Lanzavecchia, Andrew Gee, Victoria Gee, Tommy Miller , Jack Miller, Meredith Coleman, Catharine Cargan (Chris), Samantha Coleman, great grandchild Madison Kull, sister, Dorothy Bailey (James) and his wife of a previous marriage Edith Joan Kull.  Predeceased by his Spouse Dana Gaines Kull, parents Blanche Greenwood and Richard N. Kull Sr. and daughter Sandra Gee.

After attending High School in Mamaroneck NY, Richard served 9 years in the US Coast Guard.  He owned and operated Tru-Fit manufacturing company before entering the automobile business as a salesperson in 1958. He became a dealer at Burns Pontiac in Marlton, NJ in 1970.  With his partner Ed Burns, he cofounded the Burns Kull Automotive Group operating dealerships throughout NJ and Florida.   The group currently is comprised of Burns Honda and Burns Buick GMC Hyundai in Marlton NJ, Toyota of Vineland and RK Chevrolet Kia and Subaru of Vineland NJ and Avalon Honda in Swainton, NJ

A life-long pilot he was a member of the Civil Air Patrol, member of the Masonic Lodge Mamaroneck NY, BPO Elks of Brick Township, President of the Brick Township Board of Education from 1957-1959, President of the New Jersey Affiliate of the American Heart Association, Recipient of the Howard J Dayton Award for service to the Heart Association, Chairman of the NADA Charitable Trust Ambassador Program, Chairman of the American International Automobile Dealers Association, Chairman of the Ocean City Tabernacle.  Richard and Mary Anne have supported numerous additional charities including the Boys and Girls Club of Broward County and The Shore Medical Center. 

The Kull Youth Center at the Ocean City Tabernacle is named for him.  He was the Tabernacle’s Board of Trustee chairman from 2005 to 2008. He and his wife were major donors and strong promoters of the youth ministry at Ocean City Tabernacle.

The Kull Youth Center serves thousands of young people over the course of a year.  During the summer, visiting church groups use the center.  In the winter, it is a place of safety and support for local youth.  

Visitation will be Thursday evening August 29 from 5-9 pm at the Ocean City Tabernacle 550 Wesley Ave Ocean City NJ 08226.  Funeral service will be at the Ocean City Tabernacle at 11:30 am Friday August 30th Friends may visit one hour prior to the service. Burial will follow in Seaside Cemetery, Palermo, NJ.

Those wishing to make a contribution in Richard’s memory might consider The Ocean City Tabernacle, St Peters United Methodist Church 501 East 8th Street, PO Box 762 Ocean City, NJ or the First Presbyterian Church  of Pompano Beach 2331 NE 26th Ave Pompano Beach 33062.

Arrangements are by The Godfrey Funeral Homes. For condolences to the family, please visit www.godfreyfuneralhome.com.