John was born in 1947 in Hohenfels, Germany after his parents met at a refugee camp after being liberated from concentration camps at the end of World War II. In 1949 the young family came to the United States through Ellis Island and eventually settled on a dairy farm in Prattsburgh, NY. During his formative years he learned the value of hard work and perseverance. He competed at the state level in debate in high school, which should come as no surprise to those that knew him. At the age of 18 he moved to Rochester and took his first job as an auto mechanic. He always loved cars and had a particular affinity for Fords. At 23 he met Susan Schiefer and his life changed forever. They married in 1972 and had their son Jeff in 1976 and daughter Melissa in 1979. He was above all a devoted family man who worked hard to provide for his children, and he was a proud father throughout every stage of their lives. He retired from Eastman Kodak after 31 years and found a second calling helping kids in the Greece Central School District for the last 10. He created several programs at the schools that were focused on celebrating kids for their positive contributions to the school community. He loved working with kids and passing along wisdom to them. A farm boy at heart, he loved spending time in Prattsburgh with his family and friends. He enjoyed country music, John Deere tractors, and "a cold beer on a Friday night". But he also loved Tim Horton's and could be found almost daily discussing a variety of topics with friends. His wonderful sense of humor and quick wit provided us with a lifetime supply of one-liners. But at the heart of John is his family. He was predeceased by his parents, Mieczyslaw & Maria Kula, and his mother and father in law, William and Maureen Schiefer. He is survived by his wife, Susan (Schiefer) Kula; children, Jeff (Lisa) Kula & Melissa (Charlie) Giambrone; grandchildren, Casey Kula, Allie Kula, Luka Giambrone & Liam Giambrone; sisters & brothers, Krystyna Loeffler, Steve Kula, Stella (Sonny) Bashta, Frank Kula & Agnes Perri; brothers-in-law & sisters-in-law, Molly Manning, Tom Schiefer, Reenie (Ron) Siem, David (Lee) Schiefer, John (Anna) Schiefer & Ronnie (Annie) Schiefer, and so many special nieces & nephews. He was the strength of his family, the rock that everyone depended on. He will be sorely missed by all who knew him, but his legacy will live on through his children and grandchildren and nieces and nephews. He loved them all so much. John's visitation will be held 4-7 PM on Wednesday at the funeral home, 1411 Vintage Lane. His Funeral Mass will be celebrated 9:30 am on Thursday at St. Charles Borromeo Church, 3003 Dewey Ave. Interment in Holy Sepulchre Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to VeloSano Cancer Research by visiting www.velosano.org/kula