John Michael Gulius

U.S. Army (Ret.) SFC John Michael Gulius, 80 of Arlington, VA passed away at home on Sunday, March 1, 2020. John was born in the Irishtown section of Plains Township, PA on September 24, 1939. He was the eldest child of Michael and Helen Jenkins Gulius and grandson of John and Theresa Toth Gulius, who raised him as a child. John joined the United States Army in 1957, and proudly served until his retirement in 1978. His service spanned several continents, including posts in Germany, Iran, Turkey, Austria, Italy, Korea, and Vietnam among others, meriting two Overseas Service Bars for his service in Vietnam. John was the recipient of numerous awards and decorations during his military career to include; the Bronze Star Medal; the National Defense Service Medal; the Vietnam Service Medal; the Vietnam Campaign Medal; the Vietnam Cross of Gallantry; the Aircraft Crewman Badge; and the Army Commendation Medal. While stationed at Ft. Myer in Arlington, John met the love of his life, Darlene Denio. They were betrothed on November 20, 1965 at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Wilkes-Barre, PA, the same church where John received his sacraments and served as an altar boy in his youth. John and Darlene went on to raise three daughters; Michelle, Cheri, and Renee; and to celebrate 51 years of marriage before Darlene preceded him in death in 2017. After his retirement from the Army, John went on to a second career in telecommunications at Siemens Communications. John retired from Siemens Communications in 1999 and his focus quickly turned to his family and his much-loved role as “Grandpa John.” John was a kind and generous man, who touched many lives during his time on Earth. In addition to his family and military career, John had many other passions throughout his life. He served as a volunteer and coach for the Special Olympics for many years, and greatly enjoyed his time working with the children and organization. John was also a member and manager with Northern Virginia Senior Softball (NVSS), receiving a 15-year Longevity Award in 2018. He also proudly served on the Retirement Council at Joint Base Ft. Myer – Henderson Hall. John was preceded in death by his beloved wife Darlene, who’s loss he grieved immensely until his passing. John is survived by his three daughters; Michelle Gulius Dawson and son-in-law, Robert of Bristow; Cheri Gulius Robinson and son-in-law, William of Arlington; and Renee Gulius of Arlington; grandsons Jacob and Joshua Dawson; sister Theresa Gulius; and a host of other family members and close friends, many of whom affectionately knew him as “Jackie”. Friends may call at Murphy Funeral Home of Falls Church, 1102 West Broad Street, Falls Church, VA 22046 from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. on Monday, March 9, 2020. A Mass of Christian burial will be offered at St. Agnes Catholic Church, 1910 N. Randolph St, Arlington, VA 22207 at 11:30 a.m., on Tuesday, March 10, 2020. A private interment at Arlington National Cemetery will follow at a later date. The family is encouraging either flowers, or to make contributions to Special Olympics Virginia at 3212 Skipwith Road, Suite 100, Richmond, VA 23294-4413, or to the charity of your choice.