P. J. Cullerton

Patrick Joseph Cullerton (January 30, 1897–January 26, 1981), better known as "P. J. Cullerton" or "Parky Cullerton", He was also a member of the Cullerton political family, which originated with his granduncle The Cullerton family have been prominent in Chicago and Illinois politics for generations.

Cullerton started in politics as a precinct captain in the 38th ward. and holding it until his death. through 1958. Cullerton's election in 1935 had come after a previous unsuccessful aldermanic campaign in 1931. He also chaired the council's emergency committee tasked with investigating fraud and abuse in the city government.

Cook County Assessor (1958–74) In 1954, Cullerton ran a successful campaign for Cook County Assessor with Mayor Daley's endorsement. Cullerton won re-election to the office in 1962, 1966, and 1970.

In 1970, Culelrton faced scandal amid allegations that he was deliberately under-assessing skyscrapers in The Loop as well as industry-owned properties. In 1971, after the scandal, Cullerton appointed Tom Tully deputy assessor, tasking him with reforming the Assessor's office. Tully defeated Vrdolyak, and won the general election. His daughter Helen and her husband, Harold, had four children and many grandchildren of their own.

The month after his death, his daughter Helen and two of her adult children (Cullerton's twin granddaughters Patricia Johnson and Kathleen Montgomery) were all killed on February 27 when their car was struck by a wrong-way driver on the Chicago Skyway, causing a five-car collision which involved one additional fatality. Cullerton's son-in-law Harold also died in June of the same year.