Obituary of Rich Kilcullen

NORTH CREEK: Richard T. Kilcullen, 71 years old, died on July 1, 2024, at his home in North Creek, NY.

Rich was born on May 26, 1953, in New York, NY, to the late Richard and Elizabeth (Bentley) Kilcullen. He graduated from Avon Old Farms School, a private institution in Avon, CT, in 1972. Although he was accepted into Bentley College, he decided to take a year off. This year off eventually became permanent as he pursued other passions.

Rich was New York State’s youngest horse trainer for 15 years. He owned his own mechanic business, Peach Lake Motors. After 30 years, he retired as head mechanic at Mt. Kisco Country Club. Rich met the love of his life, Deborah Hanaburgh, while they were training horses together. They were married on May 1, 1976, at the Hanaburgh homestead in North Salem, NY. Remarkably, their wedding day was also Kentucky Derby day, and they paused the ceremony to watch the race.

After retiring, Rich and Deb moved to North Creek so Rich could ski every day at his beloved Gore Mountain. He skied seven days a week and became a fixture on the mountain, always being the first on the gondola in the morning and the last off in the afternoon. During the off-season, when there was a lack of snow, Rich enjoyed sailing and motorboating. He was also an extraordinary woodworker, often milling his own wood for his projects. Known for his fantastic sense of humor, his ability to get along with everyone, and his larger-than-life personality. Rich was the heart and center of his family taking on the role as adoring father, grandfather and sibling. He always provided the voice of hope and reason during times of uncertainty.

Left to cherish his memory is his adoring wife of 48 years, Deborah Kilcullen; son Richard Brady Kilcullen; daughters Jesse Lee Kilcullen and Jelena DeCarolis; granddaughter Mila Betty DeCarolis; brothers Dr. John (Rona Hapsari) Kilcullen and Michael (Colleen) Kilcullen; sisters Katherine Kilcullen, Elizabeth (Frank) Blake, and Annie Hanaburgh; mother-in-law Dorothy Hanaburgh and several nieces, nephews and cousins. 

Donations of remembrance may be made to: Johnsburg Emergency Squad, 624 Peaceful Valley Rd., North Creek, NY 12853.

Services will be private and at the convenience of the family.

Please visit www.alexanderfh.net for online condolences and guest book.