‘A Labor Of Love:’ Tullytown Mayor Dedicated 40 Years To Borough

Tullytown Borough Mayor David Cutchineal wiped away tears as he ended his final council meeting last week.

Thanking the community for four decades of support and service that Cutchineal called “a labor of love.”

Cutchineal, a U.S. Navy veteran and retired Bucks County employee, dedicated 42 years to his hometown, including 10 years as a councilman and 32 years as mayor.

“I have served 10 years as a councilman and 32 years as your mayor,” Cutchineal said, recalling the weddings, funerals and countless community events he shared with residents. “Thank you, all.”

The outgoing mayor, who led the borough’s annual Sept. 11 memorial, received commendations and plaques from local politicians and community organizations, including Fallsington American Legion Post 834.

American Legion Post 834 Commander Carmine Maggio presented Cutchineal with a gift, thanking him for his “invaluable contributions to the veterans of Tullytown Borough.”

Maggio said the mayor’s efforts to work with the American Legion Post have helped bring the community closer together.

“Job well done,” Maggio said. “You are hereby relieved.”

Councilmember David Pearl, a military veteran, noted Cutchineal’s dedication to veterans.

“Dave has always done a lot for us veterans,” Pearl said.

Former Mayor Joe Biancosino-Downey, who grew up in Tullytown and served as mayor starting in 1994, reflected on Cutchineal’s commitment and the close-knit nature of the 2.1-square-mile borough of just over 2,000 people.

“Look at the amount of time this man has put into the borough,” Biancosino-Downey said. “I’ll tell you, this is a thankless job.”

Biancosino-Downey, who is related to Cutchineal, asked residents to love each other regardless of political differences, reminding them that their presence is “a gift.”

Biancosino-Downey likened growing up in the borough to being in “The Waltons.” He recalled fond memories like “Bozo the dog” and a man named Roger who would visit residents for a meal and a nap.

“This is a gorgeous town,” he said. “We grew up in a TV show.”

Former Council President Nina Chrzanowski thanked the mayor and called him her mentor. She said Cutchineal’s commitment to the borough will be impossible to replace.

Resident Kelli Donlen recalled the mayor’s help and guidance after she lost her nephew, Zachery.

“You supported me and gave me a voice to speak in memory,” she said, calling Cutchineal an “asset to this community.”

Retired borough Chief of Police Daniel Doyle lauded the mayor’s tenure.

“Mayor Cutchineal served the Tullytown community with honor and integrity for more than four decades,” Doyle said. “As the borough’s unofficial historian, his knowledge of its history was unmatched.”

Cutchineal’s term officially ends in January when Joseph Shellenberger is sworn in as the next mayor. Shellenberger’s late father, Robert, previously served as mayor beginning in the late 1960s.

The council also recognized Councilmember Ed Czyzyk for his 30 years of service on the governing body.