Robert Raymond Kulak

He was born in Camp Lejeune, North Carolina on September 29th, 1963 totally deaf in both ears.

He grew up in Cherry Hill, New Jersey with his parents, Raymond and Margaret, and two older sisters, Charlene and Karen. There, through many surgeries and special classes to adapt his speech, he was given his first hearing aids. He eventually was able to attend regular school and classes but was bullied because he was different. Through it all, Robert stayed kind, positive, unstoppable and made some life long friends — like Jimmy.

When he was older, he went to the University of Florida. He wanted to be pre-med but was told his hearing loss would prevent him from being able to qualify. So, he moved forward and studied law. He put in the hard work and attended Nova Southeastern University and later Loyola University, graduating with a Master of Jurisprudence (M.J.) in Business Law.

He fell in love and married the love of his life, Tatiana, in a beautiful, intimate wedding in Chile. That’s where Robert started practicing his Spanish, where he learned how to make his infamous pebre, and where he gained a large second family full of in-laws, nieces and nephews, who love him so much.

When Robert and Tatiana settled back in South Florida, they had two children who became his entire world — Mariah and Bobby.

Robert lived life to the fullest. He genuinely loved his work. He loved fine wines and good food just as much as he loved reading, watching movies, and playing golf and skiing in Colorado (all with his college best friend Eric). Robert loved spending time with his family, the mountains, meditating — there were few things he didn’t love!

With everything Robert did, he always gave 110% of himself. That was him… and in his final chapter, when he got diagnosed with Stage 4 cancer, that was never more evident. He even managed to play golf and work up until the very end! His daughter, Mariah, called him “Rocky” because he fought with everything he had in him for over 2 years.

Robert wasn’t a veteran in the truest sense of the word (like his father was), but with the strength he showed every single day of his life, he might’ve well have been. He leaves behind a legacy of kindness, determination, integrity, compassion, love, and the best sense of humor that will never be forgotten.

Robert, you will be missed more than you will ever know. We love you. ♥️