August 18 2025 –Updated on: August 23, 2025

• Booklet (PDF, with the lyrics and links to the album and a video music.)

REMEMBERING, HONORING & CELEBRATING JOHN’s LIFE AND LEGACY

A Tribute to John J. Culkin’s 66th Birthday: A Lifelong Passion Unveiled in Music & Creativity,

Born into the artistic “St. Clairs” family in Queens, New York, on August 24, 1959, John J. Culkin’s passion for the arts began at an early age. Under the guidance of his mother, Claire Culkin (1922–2010), he performed as a tap dancer and drummer in the family’s annual community event, “The Culkin Family Dance Group,” alongside his siblings and extended family.

Unfortunately, his sudden departure on July 22, 2025, which was just 33 days before his 66th birthday, shocked all his loved ones, family members & friends (1959–2025).

This is an attempt to honor and celebrate his 66th Birthday through his lifelong passion for music and through his lyrics, creativity in music, and vocal.

– Click on here for the Booklet version (PDF) of the Tribute!

REMEMBERING, HONORING & CELEBRATING JOHN’s LIFE AND LEGACY

“Sharp existential pop songs”

John Culkin was an exceptional student who was accepted at the elite Bronx High School of Science, but because of the onerous mass transit journey, he transferred back to his local Richmond Hill High School. 
This was an unexpected boon to those of us who fancied ourselves practitioners of the arts and sciences, for John instantly became the central catalyst and leader of our little group. 
His talent as a dancer, singer, actor, musician, filmmaker, and thinker was a powerful inspiration to everyone who had the pleasure of his company. 
When John became a father, he poured his energies into raising his son. 
When John U. tragically passed away, John channeled his grief back into his music. He hired a band, rehearsed them, and then recorded his sharp existential pop songs, which were the product of his profound philosophical mind.

– Steve Witting, Actor.

• Album: Thus Culkin by John J. Culkin #ThusCulkin ©2023

JCulkin / Track List

• Thus Culkin by John J. Culkin, 2023 – Side-A

1) It Was Weird And We Loved It
2) Castle By The Sea
3) Don’t Go
4) True Love
5) Days And Nights

LYRICS – Side-A

• Thus Culkin by John J. Culkin, 2023 – Side-B

6) Rachel In The Darkness
7) So Much To Tell You
8) That Girl
9) My Woman My Wife
10) A Fact You’ll Have To Live With

LYRICS – Side-B

Lyrics of the “What Do You Need My Love For”

Also, the below lyrics of the “You Are Not Connected To The Internet” song, along with the above video, these two are not part of the first album):

– Click on the Lyrics to listen the song | Booklet

REMEMBERING, HONORING & CELEBRATING JOHN’s LIFE AND LEGACY

“I don’t remember a time that I did not know John”

As a long-time resident of Richmond Hill, I don’t remember a time that I did not know John.  Growing up in the 80’s there was a huge amount of bands, groups, jam sessions, and musical interpretation.  John and his family were in the thick of it all.  The Culkin legacy was one to inspire all those interested in music and the arts.  
My personal relationship with John became stronger when our kids attended St. Paul’s Nursery school together.  We had a bond of parents wanting the best for our children.  We shared many years of talking about growing up before cell phones and game boxes. How it was easier to grow up in the 70s and 80s.  It was a really hard time when John U passed away – I spoke with John before and all the years after the loss of their son.  He would stop in to see me just to talk, and I would listen.  He always knew I had his back, and he had mine. 
He started to find peace.  He worked on his music, his shows, his singing.  I loved getting the emails with the creative pieces he would put together and promise I was not sharing them.  He would talk about the Teen Drama Program – how important it was to so many people and how it helped him in his life, past and present.  He came to all the shows, always a devout friend of the group.   
He was a gentle soul, a kind and generous man.  He was a dear friend whom I miss – I wish he knew how much he meant to me. 
Rest In Peace, John – Rock on, my friend.  

– Regina Schaefer Santoro, HCJ Teen Drama Group

* * *

“A real showman, as it is in his DNA.” 

John and I met for the first time when I was about 12. I remember thinking he was funny, odd, but smart.  He was very good friends with my brothers Harold and John, whom he met at RHHS.  I remember once when Harold and I were watching TV late one Saturday night.  There was a knock at the door. It was John, looking for Harold.  I thought it was a bit late for visitors, but to both of them it was perfectly fine. The three of us were hanging out, and then John said he wanted pancakes. Again, I thought it was a little odd.  But then the three of us were in my mom’s kitchen. John dragged out some cookie sheets from the cabinet, and he started to make the treat. I remember thinking it was strange that he used cookie sheets instead of a frying pan, but it allowed him to make enough for all three of us at once, using all four burners.  
A few years later, there was another knock at the door.  This time, it was the afternoon, and it was John.  He was delivering invitations for a party he was having.  It was June of 1980.  He called it “The End of the World Party”. Harold was not home, so I told him I would give the invitation to him.  To my surprise, he had one for me, too.  I always remembered that because he made me feel included and important, even though at the time I was much younger than all my siblings and their friends. 
I did not get to know him really until a few years later.  We spent a lot of time together, and it was then that I became aware of what a fantastic musician, singer, songwriter, and filmmaker he was.  I was overwhelmed by his plethora of talents. A real showman, as it is in his DNA.  We took long walks in Forest Park, and he would play his songs for me. He also showed me some films he had made while attending the School of Visual Arts. 
Our lives took different paths, and we stayed connected for a while.  He would keep me informed about his latest projects and schemes. And I was always happy to hear about them; I always kept John in my heart and memory. I learned many things from him about what it means to be curious and intense.  And why it was important to be honest with yourself and have structure in your life. But he thought it was important to also “Go with the Flow” 
John was always concerned about other people. Strangers in particular.  If he thought someone was in trouble, he would do whatever he could to help. He would call an ambulance, hand out water, food, and sometimes cash.  That always stuck with me.  I was impressed by that.  He was a big tipper, too, which impressed me as well. 
A few years ago, we reconnected and sustained a fairly close friendship. He was an immense help to me when my brother John became disabled. He would often go to the hospital where my brother John was and deliver the newspaper and treats for him.  He knew it was a 120-mile drive round-trip for me to do so, and sometimes I took him up on his offer. And these past few months when my other brother Harold died, I was devastated, and he offered his support and guidance.  
He was always so intense and focused on his projects and aspirations, his music, videos, and screenplays, etc. Again, I was impressed with his dedication and complete devotion to his creativity. I will strive to be as dedicated to my own interests moving forward. My life is so much better because John was in it. 
Thank you, John, for your unpredictable, mysterious, extreme, and caring influence. 

– Mildred Van Bergen

“Castle By The Sea” with the lyrics.

* * *

A Tribute to My Friend, John Culkin

John Culkin was a remarkable soul whose quiet brilliance and generous heart touched all who knew him. I am fortunate to call him a friend and mentor. 

I met John through his brother, Mike, when I was in high school. We bonded over music, video production, and comedy. I learned so much from him, and he was always willing to help with my comedy production projects. He made the soundtrack for my first comedy horror movie and even played a crazy old woman who ate a hand on a plate for dinner. We had many laughs together, and our relationship became reciprocal as he occasionally asked me and my friends to fill time on his legendary public access cable TV show, “City Rock.” John had an amazing talent for respectfully showcasing often hilarious avant-garde rock bands, while making them feel special.  In a pinch John would ask us to make up a ridiculous fake band and come on the show.  And we loved doing it.  We had so many laughs and great memories with John that I will always treasure.

John was a talented artist who poured his passion into music and video production that inspired and uplifted. Despite his gifts, he was always humble and eager  to help others. His legacy lives on in the melodies he crafted, and the stories he told through video, and the countless lives he enriched with his selflessness. Rest in peace, John. You will be deeply missed but never forgotten.

– Matt Turner

* * *

[…] John was so full of life and creative fire — he had just been emailing two weeks ago about next steps to perform live at the Stone Pony in Asbury Park. It’s hard to grasp that someone so vibrant and visionary could be gone so suddenly. Please accept my deepest condolences to you and your family. I know you’re at the wake now, and I can only imagine how overwhelming this must be. John gave 1000% to his vision
In all my years of music, I’ve never seen anyone pour themselves into a project with such full-hearted, multidimensional commitment. He envisioned not only the music, lyrics, and bandmates, but also the set design, visuals, materials, dancers, and fashion. He dreamed boldly and created without restraint. It was a gift to witness and to be part of that process with both of you — in rehearsals and in the studio.
The band has been in disbelief in the group chat today — we’re all heartbroken and sending our love. I just wanted to reach out to say how proud I am to have worked with John, to see him go all-in to bring his creative vision to life, and how deeply I admire everything he gave and how he went for making inspiring creative visions real in life and living.
Since our recording session a few months ago at Powerstation, I think of his lyric and his voice singing his song and the melody and chords to “Now You’re Really Living” anytime I’m having a great day or moment, all the time. It will stay with me always. I’m grateful for getting to share this music with him and you and the band.
May God bless you today and every day forward in memory of John. May his music and spirit live on. With love and deep sympathy.

– Britanny Anjou, Keyboard, #ThusCulkin

* * *

John was and is a great inspiration for all of us who write our own music.

I personally believe that his song demos were good enough to release “as is” and that they should be in the future for people to enjoy.

Though our time working together was brief, I found him to be extremely generous, thoughtful, and genuine. I am happy that I was part of making his dream come true of bringing his music to a wider audience. His dedication and vision were a testament to the creative fire that he possessed.
Deep condolences to his family and friends.

– Dawn Drake, Bassist for John Culkin’s video project 2024-2025

* * *

I find myself humming Castle by the Sea here and there, and it just makes me happy. What a great song. Many of John’s creations are excellent songs with his own distinctive style. Listening to his music feels like he is very much present. 

John, I was inspired to meet you. Thank you. 

– Eliane Amherd, Guitarist, Thus Culkin Band

* * *

My earliest recollection of John was in Studio A at QPTV. John was sitting in front of the studio switcher like a true pro. He also had a drawing of the switcher that he made. He was using it to practice from home. This showed me his true dedication to learning the craft and how he was thinking out of the box. It’s short and simple, but it left a long-lasting impression of his dedication. And after hearing his recent albums. I’m sure he used the same practices. To achieve their success.

– Rene Valdivia, QPTV

* * *

Tribute to John Culkin

I met John in 2020 through my meditation teacher, Olivia Magdalene, at a time when both of us were carrying heavy hearts. After the passing of his son, John Jr., I had the chance to stay with John in New York for about three weeks. It was my first time traveling outside of Georgia, but more than that, it was an introduction to a person whose kindness, warmth, and wisdom would leave a lasting mark on my life. He showed me the city, shared his world, and welcomed me into his life in a way that felt like family.
During that time, I made art for him, and he valued it in a way that touched me deeply. His mentorship went far beyond teaching techniques—it was about seeing the world openly, with curiosity and courage, and creating from a place of authenticity. I remember him saying, over and over, that I should create for myself and not worry about what others think. Those words follow me every time I paint or write.
John’s music was another window into his soul. He shared his songs with me, including Castle by the Sea, a piece that became a favorite of mine. We had planned to create a track together, a dream I still hope to realize in his memory. His passion, his vision, and his gentle encouragement are a guiding light in my own creative journey.
Though I didn’t know John U. well, I could see how deeply John loved him, and how profoundly that loss shaped him. Every year, on birthdays and holidays, John would send thoughtful gifts—books about whales, birds, fish, or beautiful photographs of nature—always asking how my day was, always thinking of me. Those gestures were small, but they carried the depth of his heart.
John was one of the kindest, most genuine people I’ve ever known. He was like a foster father, a mentor, and a dear friend all rolled into one. I am so grateful for every moment we shared, for his guidance, his laughter, and his unwavering belief in me. Losing him leaves a space that can never be filled, but the lessons he taught me, the love he shared, and the joy he brought into my life remain, always.
Rest in peace, John. Your voice, your art, and your spirit continue to live on in every brushstroke I paint, every note I hear, and every moment I carry forward your memory

– Ashley Garcia Maya, Florida

* * *

I was so sorry to hear that your brother John had passed. I was going to wish you a happy birthday a few weeks ago and share with you that you and the rest of the male drum corps of the Culkin family were the ones who got me through my sister’s dance recital
You all came out with your stern faces, but a few smiles broke through, and those thunderous drums made music

While I never got to know John, he influenced me and the music I came to love.
I believe that he was the drummer for the play Jesus Christ Superstar. In the early to mid 1970s, well, I went to see it on Friday and again on Sunday night, they had a live band playing, and I was awe-struck with his drums. While I tried to play the guitar, I am a drummer who never took lessons. Like you and he did. 
But through you and him, seeing the drums you played so well and good, I became a huge fan of ELP in ’76, and then I got Hemispheres and became a Rush fan.
I guess that when a rock is thrown in the water, we don’t know how the ripples can affect others.
I am truly sorry for your loss, and you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.

– Charles Zink, A Neighbor

* * *

Happy Birthday in Heaven
Happy 66th Birthday in Heaven, dear John.
Even though you’re no longer here with us, your presence is felt every day. I want to say thank you — because of you, the proposal and commitment you made to my mother back then in Istanbul in July 1995, I was able to come to the United States in March 1996, at the age of 14.
Today, we are here together with my wife and two daughters, building our lives. In that, we owe so much of that to you because you set out a ground tor a family for us in New York.
You will always be remembered with gratitude and love.

– Barış Ünver, Stepson

* * *

PROFILE OF JOHN J. CULKIN

John J. Culkin‘s professional career included working as a television producer for various community and network channels, a freelancer on music videos and documentaries, and a technical director for a news channel until late 2001. Shortly after 9/11, he transitioned to a 16-year career with the City of New York.
Despite his professional roles, music remained his lifelong passion. He created and performed his own songs, writing the lyrics and music himself, creating a mosaic of his own making over several decades. His deep interest in theater also influenced his work, giving many of his songs a distinctive theatrical quality. He eventually formed a band named Thus Culkin, a name he had also used in high school, which reflected his enduring loyalty to his initial musical interests. After the sudden passing of his only son(our) in late December 2019, this lifelong passion became his ultimate goal. He released his first album as Thus Culkin in 2023 and was working on a second. While he shared his music with close family and friends, he was also working toward a live performance. In 2024 and 2025, he recorded two live-studio performances wıth his newly formed band in New York City, which resulted in a music video from the 2024 session.
Alongside his passion and dedication to his music and production, John loved reading books, particularly on science, science fiction, science fantasy, Scientific American magazine, nature (including on birds, trees, fish, butterflies, etc.), and physics, as well as his bicycle. He always preferred riding his bike to driving or taking public transportation. He was even described as “A Man On the Bicycle!” Indeed, he was a man on his bicycle, particularly to those who knew him from a distance or around the neighborhood.

– B.U.C. Wife of J.J.C.

Top left: Baby John J., April 1960; Top right: Young John J. with his photo camera.
Bottom: John J. is with his son John U. on the hammock (2017!)

• Booklet (PDF)

Disclosure: The PDF version of the Tribute is not the exact copy of the web-page tribute.

Updated on August 23, 2025.

©2022-2025 Lyrics, Music, Vocal and Produced by John J Culkin #ThusCulkin All Rights Reserved.

External link: John J. Culkin Obituary