Mr. John Stanley Kulakowski Jr., 84, passed away at home on May 18, 2022, in Cape Charles. John was born in Brookhaven, N.Y., on July 29, 1937, a son to the late John and Blanche Kulakowski. He grew up in North Kingstown, R.I. After high school, a tour in the Air Force, and working for a short time as an auto mechanic, he began a four-year apprenticeship program in aircraft mechanics at Quonset Point NAS, which led to a 40-year career in civil service. He retired as a mechanical engineering technician with the Naval Air Warfare Center, specializing in jet engine test cells. He traveled extensively and loved his job.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two infant children. He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Joyce Kulakowski; daughter and son-in-law, Lori and Ian McDonald; daughter and son-in-law, Lisa Kulakowski and Jon Bivens; six grandchildren: Alex (Sarah), Eric, Lindsay, Henry, Keaton, and Libby; four sisters: Janette (Ray) Jordan, Christina Costa, Caroline (John) Oder, and Barbara LaFreniere. He also leaves several nieces, nephews, cousins, and many dear friends.
In the past, he enjoyed motocross racing and woodworking. In retirement, he was able to pursue his passion of restoring old cars and trucks, including his award-winning high performance 1941 truck.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at the Catholic Church of St. Mark, 1505 Kempsville Road, Virginia Beach, on Friday, June 24, 2022, at 11 a.m. Interment will follow at St. Mark’s columbarium.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to a Parkinson’s/Dementia Foundation of choice.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.doughtyfuneralhome.com
