William Kulp

Chili: Bill was predeceased by his parents, Milton and Faith; brother, Michael; and sister Sandra Greening. Survived by his children, Jeremy (Liz), Melissa and Joshua (Franki); grandchildren, Alexander, Madison, Christopher, Elliana, Mia, Brielle and River; sister, Denise (Daniel) Cavallaro; special friend, Nancy Churnetski; and several nieces, nephews and dear friends. Bill was born January 3, 1945 in Rochester, NY to Faith and Leo Bahr. Faith later re-married to Milton Kulp who legally adopted Bill and his older siblings Michael and Sandra. Faith and Milton went on to have one child together, Denise. Bill was a graduate of Rush-Henrietta High School, Class of 1962. Bill was an avid runner who was on the track team and cross-country running team. In 1967 Bill began working as a Probation Officer for the Monroe County Office of Probation. Bill was drafted into the United States Army in May of 1968 and served in Vietnam for a little over a year before returning home to Rochester and receiving an Honorable Discharge. For his service, Bill received the Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, 2 Bronze Stars, and an Army Commendation Medal. After returning home, Bill resumed working as a Probation Officer where he remained until his retirement as a Senior Probation Officer and Coordinator of Community Service Sentencing Program in 1999. In 1973 Bill starting dating Jan Schmitt who he met while they were working together for the Office of Probation. Bill and Jan were married in April of 1975 and later had 3 children together, Jeremy, Melissa and Joshua. In 1978 Bill received his Masters Degree in Community Services from the University of Rochester. Bill was a devoted, loving husband and father. The family took yearly trips to the Adirondacks for many years and made many happy memories together. Sadly, Bill and Jan’s marriage ended in 2011 but they remained friends until the end, seeing each other often and talking on the phone almost every day. During his last days, Jan visited Bill at the hospital every day; reminding him that he was surrounded by family that loved him very much. 12 years ago, Bill reconnected with Nancy Churnetski who he had first met in 1960 when they attended High School together. Nancy has been a constant source of love and support for Bill over those past 12 years. Bill and Nancy spent countless hours talking on the phone with multiple phone calls a day. They were able to make many cherished memories together. Nancy would visit with Bill weekly during his time in Assisted Living and was with him every day during his most recent hospital stay. Bill was immensely proud of all of his children and celebrated every one of their accomplishments no matter how big or small. He would brag about his kids to anyone who would listen. Bill was also a proud and loving grandpa to Alex, Madison, Chris, Ellie, Mia, Brielle and River. Bill cherished every minute that he was able to spend with his grandkids. His grandkids brought joy to his heart even on the darkest days. Bill’s humor and sarcasm were an acquired taste for many, but those that were closest to him wouldn’t change him for the world. He loved music, travel, lighthouses, crossword puzzles and was a trivia enthusiast. One of Bill’s favorite places to visit was the Charlotte-Genesee lighthouse. Bill also loved to sing songs from TV shows and jingles from commercials, especially the Bumblebee Tuna jingle. Bill overcame many obstacles in his life but he was a fighter until the end. Bill passed away peacefully on the evening of July 27, 2023 at Hildebrandt Hospice Care Center after fighting a brief but devastating illness. He was surrounded by love and photos of his grandkids at the time of his passing. Bill was loved by many and will be deeply missed by all. We take comfort in knowing that he is at peace and his suffering has ended. The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff of Unity Hospital INCU (2400) and Hildebrandt Hospice Care Center. Family and friends may call at the Leo M. Bean and Sons Funeral Home, 2771 Chili Ave. Rochester, NY 14624 on Thursday, August 3rd from 3-6pm. Funeral Service Friday 10am at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hildebrandt Hospice Care Center (Lifetime Care Hospice) 3111 South Winton Rd. Rochester, NY 14623.

William Kulp

January 3, 1945 - July 27, 2023