Mathew S. Kulaga

Born in Niagara Falls, NY, he was the son of the late Piotr and Karolina (Sawina) Kulaga. Mathew was a 1943 graduate of Trott Vocational High School in Niagara Falls. He was a proud Naval WWII veteran and served as a Pharmacist’s Mate 3rd Class. Mathew attended the University of Buffalo, NY, on the GI Bill, where he met his wife Janet of 61 years, graduating in 1955 with a degree in Chemistry. He went on to work as an R&D chemist for multiple chemical companies and later Borden Chemical, from which he retired in 1992.

Mathew was very proud of his Polish heritage and traditions, including eating traditional Polish food on major holidays, baking a “mean” Placek, drinking a good brewsky, and dancing the Polka. Mathew was an avid golfer and recreational fisherman and enjoyed singing in the Holy Family Catholic Church choir. Post retirement he could often be found working on numerous household projects and puttering in the garage, cigar in mouth. He and his wife gave generously to many charities throughout the years. He loved his family, and made many road trips over the years to visit relatives following his family’s relocation to New Albany, IN from Bainbridge, NY in 1977.

Besides his parents, Mathew was preceded in death by his brother, Stephen Kulaga; his sister, Alfreda Palka; and his sister, Genevieve Hyla. Mathew is survived by his wife, Janet Kulaga of New Albany, IN; his son, James Kulaga of New Albany, IN; his daughter Kathleen (Perry) Johnson of Georgetown, IN; his daughter Jennifer (Christopher) Jaffe of Bloomington, IN; his grandchildren Matthew “Severin” Johnson of Georgetown, IN; Benjamin Jaffe of Bloomington, IN; and Lorelei Jaffe of Bloomington, IN; as well as several nieces, nephews, and their extended families.

Our family wishes to extend our heartfelt gratitude to Bennett Place Assisted Living, Lincoln Hills Health Center, and Gentiva Hospice for their kind and compassionate care.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Gentiva Hospice Foundation or the American Legion.

Visitation will be held on June 24 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Kraft Funeral Service, 2776 Charlestown Road, New Albany, IN. A private mass and family graveside service will follow.

Mathew will be laid to rest in Holy Trinity Catholic Cemetery, 2473 Green Valley Road, New Albany, Indiana 47150.