John Patrick Kulaya, a longtime resident of the Bronx, passed peacefully on June 28, 2022, in the presence of his wife and two of his children. He was 65.
He was born in Manhattan, New York on April 12, 1957 to first generation immigrants Frank and Margaret and his older brother Robert. He grew up in New York City, where he excelled academically and went on to go to Manhattan College for his undergraduate and Fordham University for his masters in Psychology.
He is survived by his wife Felicia of 38 years; his 6 children Edward, Wanda, Yessica, Michael, Margaret, and Keara; 15 grandchildren, and the countless children he’s supported and guided in our community. He was a kind and gentle soul who will be forever cherished and deeply missed.
Visiting will be Friday 10am to 12pm at Joseph A. Lucchese Funeral Home, 726 Morris Park Avenue, Bronx. Family and friends wishing to attend the visitation virtually may do so by clicking the following link at any time during the visiting hours Kulaya Visitation Interment will follow at Woodlawn Cemetery, East 233rd Street & Webster Avenue, Bronx.
Rest in peace John. I have many fond memories of visiting your apartment on West 16th St. You and your brother were great kids. I thought the world of your Mother. Your Father was my brother’s best life long friend. My mother would visit your Grandparents (Paddy & Maggie) at least once a year when they too lived on West 16th St. The laughs they shared at your Mother’s kitchen table will be with me always.
God Bless.
Your cousin,
Johnny Maloney
My dear friend John,
It is with great sadness that I write this to you—
I remember fondly our classroom antics at Manhattan College , especially in Plato’s cave—the handball marathons that we played in the schoolyard across the street, the terrible carrot juice that I made you, and our philosophical and spiritual conversations that we decided to engage in “imbibing” at the Pinewood —
Rest in peace—
Frank