Francis Paul Kulka

Francis Paul Kulka, better known as Frank to family and friends, peacefully departed this life for his eternal home just after midnight on Monday, January 27, 2025 while at Autumn Care of Marion. He was 74 years old.

Frank was born on August 4, 1950 in Luzerne County Pennsylvania to the late James Andrew Kulka and Rosaline Dereniuq Kulka. He was also preceded in death by one brother, James Andrew Kulka, and one sister, Mary Kulka.

Frank earned a Master’s Degree in Urban Planning from Penn State University that led to a long career with C&S Companies where he was employed as an Aviation Consultant. He was a cherished co-worker and made long-lasting friendships through his work. Frank was known as the strategist among his group of colleagues. He was instrumental in growing the company and was always ready and willing to offer helpful feedback for each project at hand.

He was also a man who valued feelings and emotions. He encouraged others, specifically men, that it was acceptable to cry and show emotion when necessary, but he placed even greater importance on laughter and a good time. Frank will be remembered for being able to lighten the mood with his wonderful sense of humor, including the occasional sarcastic remark! This was evident in both the professional and personal aspects of his life.

As a man of deep faith, Frank was active in church in the communities in which he lived throughout his life. He was an encourager who helped establish Bible study groups and volunteered with youth programs such as the Young Life organization and in prison ministries to help others grow their faith in God. The Lord eventually led Frank and his wife Rocci to the mountains of Western North Carolina where Frank lived his final years. He enjoyed being surrounded by the beauty of God’s creation while making new friends with neighbors and others within the community. He also loved spending time with Button, their chocolate labrador. He will forever be remembered with love by all who knew him.

Those left to cherish Frank’s memory are his wife of over 40 years, Rocci Kulka; his daughter, Anne Helleson (Gary); two step-daughters, Paige Visser (Steven) and Heather Rae Pieters (Brian Alessi); two grandchildren, James Helleson and Scout Helleson; four step-grandchildren, Clara Rose Bergeron, David Jonathan Visser, Peter Daniel Visser, and Massimo Alessi; and three siblings, Michael James Kulka (Susan), Maxine Balistreri, and Susan Kulka.

Services will be private per the family's request. Burial will be at Ashford Community Cemetery. A public celebration of Frank's life will be held at a later date.