The Catholic times. [volume] (Columbus, Ohio) 1951-current, 1960-11-04
SPORTS of TIMES
Unforgettoble
Sports Fan
BY LOU FABRO
Times Sports Editor

Father Albert Z. Culiton was one of those per-
sons best described as "unforgettable."
Those who met the late pastor of st. Christopher
Parish during his 81 years of service in the Diocese
are sure to agree. Although he sometimes appeared
stern, he had nothing but the Warmest feelings for
all people-both young and old alike.
An energetic person, Father Culliton was especial
ly fond of sports. He served as athletic director al 81.
Charles from 1929 until 1910 and as director of Santa
Lucia Community House in St. Peter Parish from
1888 to 1945.
DURING THOSE YEARS, he became known
and warmly respectfully thousands of athletes. They
found him to be a source of Inspiration and al the
same time, full of humor. While commanding respect.
he at the same time was just as ordinary as any OF
the players.
Father Culiton had that rare gift of being able to
mix with anyone with equal ease. Mel DePletro Oh o.
James Parish, who managed Santa Lucia Community
House, said no one had trouble talking with rather
Culliton.
Mel recalled the many evenings when Father Gull
lton sat on the front steps of the community house ana
talked for hours about sports. And always, ne al
tracted a large group Of youths who traded stories
with him.
FATHER cULLIToN was the toast of the Milo
area, where the community house was located. i don't
care what house he walked in" Mel said, he was vel
come. Everyone knew him and liked him"
Santa Lucia Community House became well
known in the city of Columbus because of its o%utstand-
ing football teams. The center sponsored teams In the
city's bantam-weight, lightweight and mlddle-Welgnt
leagues. Coached by Dom 1lberl, Joe boSSettl, u ! i
beri and others, the teams invariably won their league
championships.
DePietro stated the community house became so
popular that it attracted boys from all parts OF the CITY.
Juvenile officials remarked that the center was the
primary reason for the low rate of juvenile dellinqu-
ency in the Milo area.
FATHER cULLiToN ALWAYS was a big hit at
social functions, especially athletic banquetS. In iacl'
sports banquets just didn't seem complete Without MN
When he spoke, everyone listened IN rapt at
tention. His powerful voice suggested Strength' coul'
age and confidence. Possessed Of rare irish W.T. ne
rarely failed to amuse his listeners with his dynamic
talks.
Father Culliton was as generous as they come.
During the hard pre-World War IL days, he oilen
bought groceries for distressed families with ms own
limited fund If he didn't have the funds, he usually
found someone who could spare food or money.
MsGR. EDWARD sPiERS, principal at Waiter
son High described Father Culliton aptly when ne
said he'd give you the shirt off his back if ne had To-.
Msgr. Spiers and Msgr. Roland Winel, now pastor
at Lancaster st. Mary, we're high school students at o''
Charles when Father Culhton arrived IN 1879.
q" can still remember that summer" Msgr. SplerS
reminisced. "when we helped him get the iootDall
continent out. He was full of laughs" Msgr. Spiers
succeeded Father Culliton as athletic director al o.
MEMoRlEs2 THERE ARE SO MANY. Former St
Charles students probably still chuckle wnen they re-
call the sports questions Father Co'Fon '~u"es
slipped in class tests. ~a Tho
Fi UNFoRcETTABLE? This writer, who had the
frequent pleasure of serving Mass Tor falher 1unilon'
certainly will never forget hlm.