Culicchia Family Establishes Tuition Foundation in Memory of Margaret Culicchia

Margaret Culicchia was a faithful parishioner of Holy Name of Jesus Church for over 35 years, and devoted her time every Monday morning to volunteering in the parish office to help count donations from each weekend’s offertory. She and her husband Dr. Carl Culicchia moved uptown in 1983 and joined Holy Name of Jesus parish, which became their family’s church home and an important part of their lives and faith formation. Margaret served as an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion and was actively involved in Catholic ministries, including serving as a board member of the Cenacle Retreat House.

When Mrs. Culicchia died in October 2020, her husband wanted to honor her memory by supporting families in need of a Catholic education. She was a big proponent of Catholic education, according to her son Jack Culicchia, an English teacher at Jesuit High School. He and his four siblings all attended Catholic schools, and Jack said Catholic education played an important role in their lives, as they grew and learned about their faith.

In 2021, the Culicchia family established the Margaret I. Culicchia Elementary School Tuition Foundation to help families in need who are seeking Catholic education for their children. Dr. and Mrs. Culicchia’s grandson Carl Culicchia oversees the Foundation and worked on the funding with the administration of Holy Name of Jesus Parish and School.

“My grandmother truly believed in Catholic education and how it can benefit the life of a child from school age and beyond,” said grandson Carl. Mrs. Culicchia often talked about the scripture where Jesus said “Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven.” She took that to heart, and when she passed away, her husband wanted to manifest that into reality. “We created the foundation to create better access to Catholic education and give children the opportunity to better know Jesus,” her grandson Carl said. 

It is important to the Culicchia Family that foundation funding go to Scholarship Funds that supports families that invest in their faith and have a true desire for their children to have a Catholic education. “We are so happy to provide funding for scholarships that will impact the lives of others in such a positive way, which is what she aspired to do. Having a quality education, particularly rooted in Catholic tradition, is much needed in this world. My grandfather always says that education is one thing nobody can take from you. What an exciting gift to give!” said grandson Carl.

The family who received the very first scholarship from Holy Name of Jesus School wished to remain anonymous, but offered their thanksgiving for this wonderful blessing. “A Catholic education is essential and non-negotiable for our family. We believe and HE answers. We are grateful and will make sure that our children give back the same way one day. We are humbly grateful for all of our blessings.”