TAUNTON - Richard P. “Gumby” Kulpa, died peacefully Oct. 4, 2011, surrounded by his family at home following a short illness.
Born in Taunton, he was the son of Eva Y. (LeClair) and the late Theodore W. Kulpa of Taunton.
A graduate of Taunton High School’s Class of 1965, he was a Vietnam veteran who served in the Bravo Co. 3/60 9th Infantry division.
A former cost accountant for Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Rhode Island, he spent the last several years enjoying his retirement by traveling with his wife of 41 years, Gail (Roza).
A lifelong Taunton resident who previously served on the Taunton School Committee, Richard was a member of the Maximillian Kolby Guild, a former coach and treasurer of the Taunton Junior Girls Softball League, and a dedicated cook and volunteer at the Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Church’s annual Polish Picnic.
A history buff who never met a black-and-white war movie he didn’t like, Richard was a devoted family man who loved traveling around the world, whipping up culinary delights, and spending time with his family.
In addition to his loving wife Gail, he is survived by his daughter Jessica Crites and her husband Larry of Taunton; his daughter, Shawna Kulpa of Taunton; two grandsons, Jared and Brayton; a granddaughter, Hannah; and his beloved feline companion Grayson.
Richard is also survived by his brother Ronald and his wife Janice of Middlebury, CT; his sister Mary Ann Kulpa of East Harwich, MA; his sister Maureen Bernard and her husband James of Windsor, CT; and several nieces and nephews.
In addition, he is survived by his beloved brothers of the Bravo Co. 3/60 9th Infantry division.
His funeral will be held from the Silva Funeral Home, 80 Broadway, Taunton on Saturday, Oct. 8th at 9 a.m., followed by a funeral mass at Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Church at 10 a.m.
Burial will be at St. Joseph Cemetery. Relatives and friends are invited to attend.
Calling hours will be held at the funeral home on Friday, Oct. 7th from 5 to 8 p.m.
Hawaiian-inspired attire is requested.
Aloha.
www.silvafuneralhome.com.