Michael Nathan Kuligowski, 50, passed away Thursday, June 9th, at his home in Arlington, VA. He was born in Fort Meade, MD September 28th, 1960, to Stanley and Phyllis Kuligowski, currently residing in Derry, NH. He met and fell in love with his wife, Tina, whom he married in Las Vegas, NV on March 4th, 2008. As a devoted and loving husband, Mike expressed his deep appreciation and good fortune for finding and spending his remaining years with her.
Mike and his family have experienced tremendous tragedy in the past few years; he was predeceased by his son, Adam Kuligowski (21) on April 6th, 2009, and then his daughter, Kalia Kuligowski (26) on January 6th of this year. On August 24th, 2010, Mike was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Mike turned misfortune and heartbreak into an opportunity to strengthen the bonds with his surviving sons, Stefan and Lukas Kuligowski of Derry, NH. He reminded them more often than not, that they mattered so much to him and that they were loved more than anyone in the world.
Including previously mentioned family members, Mike is survived by his two brothers; Jan Kuligowski from Florida, and Stanley (Stash) Kuligowski, of Manchester, NH, and his sister; Stephanie Kuligowski of Derry, NH. Additionally, he is survived by the mother of his four children; Tracie Kuligowski, as well as a large and tight-knit network of cousins throughout the New England area.
Mike joined the State Department in 1984, serving as an IT specialist at US Embassies around the world. His most recent assignment was at the US Embassy in Bangkok, Thailand, where he lived with his family, to include his stepchildren; Micah and Mary Middleton. He also served in Africa, South America, South Korea, and Saudi Arabia during the first Gulf War. He is also a veteran of the US Army, and served from 1978 -1982. In 2008, he received The Thomas Morrison Information Management Award, which recognizes outstanding and unique contributions in the information management field. This is considered the pinnacle of achievements in his field, specifically within the Department of State. While well respected by his peers, Mike was better known by his colleagues and friends for his gifts in being able to impact their lives on a very deep and profound level. His compassion helped many when they needed it most; to guide them, humor them, restore them, help them turn a corner, pull them from the edge or just allow them to shut the world out and absorb his healing vibes.
He was a painter and a student of spirituality. He loved to hike, and spent many hours climbing the peaks of the White Mountains in New Hampshire with his cousin and best friend; Luke Johnson.
Many hearts are broken, many tears have fallen, and a heavy sadness weighs on our collective soul. We love you Michael Kuligowski… we miss you, and we will never forget you
A calling hour was held on Saturday June 25, 2011 from 9 to 10am at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, Adam Pond Rd., E. Derry. Funeral Services were held at 10am, and burial followed in Forest Hill Cemetery, E. Derry. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Mike’s memory to Sue Rose Memorial Fund, The link to contribute is at http://www.lariaminfo.org. Contributions are collected via Paypal. You can view stories about Mike and Adam from that webpage.
For friends and family in the Washington, DC area, a Celebration of Life was held on Thursday June 23, 2011 at the Murphy Funeral Home, 4510 Wilson Blvd. Arlington, VA. A calling hour was held from 10 to 11am, with a service that started at 11am. For further information, Tina Kuligowski may be contacted at [email protected].