Gloria J. McCullough

Portland - Gloria J. McCullough, 87, of South Portland, died at Maine Medical Center on Monday, May 1, 2017 of natural causes. Gloria was born on November 10, 1929, in Clinton, MA, the daughter of the late Henry and Evelyn (NewHall) McCullough. She moved to Maine and graduated from Deering High School, Class of 1947. After graduating high school Gloria worked for Maine Central Railroad as a leading clerk for 20 years. After Maine Central Railroad she worked for six and a half years for Romac and Associates, and in 1992 she accepted a position with American Journal, now known as Currant Publishing. While Gloria worked she also had a grand professional trombone career. In 1952 she was the first female allowed into Chandler's Military Band. Gloria played all genres of music. She also played jazz for 20 years throughout ME, NH and MA with the Don Doane Big Band and Trombone Choir; dance bands with Bob Percival, Syd Lerman, Jimmy Hansen, Gordon Howe; community bands, S.D. Warren Community Band, Italian Heritage Band, and she traveled to Scotland in 1991 with the Fanfare Community Band. Gloria played in the Casco Bay Concert Band for 22 years; the Portland Symphony for 2 years under the direction of Arthur Bennett Lipkin; Maine State Ballet Orchestra for 15 years for Sleeping Beauty and Cinderella; at the Civic Center in the House band with Don Doane as well as 9 years for Ice Capades, 2 years for Ringling Bros. Circus, backup band for Bob Hope, Tom Jones, John Davidson, Pat and Debbie Boone and Al Hirt. Trombone was not Gloria's only talent as she would also play the keyboard bass at the Lyric theater, Portland Players, Biddeford City Theater, Maine State Theater; as well as playing trombone and vocals during dinner shows at the Columbia Hotel in Portland. When she wasn't sharing her wonderful gift, Gloria was spending time with her "adopted family," the Corradini sister's families. She considered all of them part of her personal family, especially Anna, Dolly, Rita, and her best friend for life, Mary Seader. She attended all the holidays and family celebrations and enjoyed every minute of them. Gloria will be missed by all of her adopted nieces and nephews, including John Saulle of Portland. Gloria's family would like to thank all her many many friends and the staff at The Betsy Ross House. Also her hairdresser of 35 years, Tammy Butler of Hair Affair, a very dear friend. Visiting hours will be held from 4:00-7:00 PM on Monday, May 8, at the Conroy-Tully Walker Funeral Home, 172 State Street, Portland, ME. A private graveside service will be held at a later date.