Jaret Kulmann

KULMANN Jaret Joseph Kulmann, beloved husband of Angela Johnson Kulmann and adoring father of Bradley, Nora, and Drew, died peacefully in his sleep Saturday, June 5, 2010. He was the son of Doris and Lou Banda, of Oakville, and Joy and William Kulmann of Shelton. Kulmann, a resident of Old Saybrook, was the son-in-law of Jane and Bernard Johnson, also of Old Saybrook. Jaret also is survived by three siblings: William Kulmann III of Oakville, Brian Kulmann (Valerie) of Naugatuck, and Kara Banda of Waterbury, and two step-siblings: Cory (Joan) Firmender of Seymour and Lynne Firmender of Ansonia. He is survived by a large extended family, including several cousins, aunts, uncles, sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nieces and nephews. Born April 25, 1968, Jaret attended Watertown High School and the University of Connecticut. He earned two post-graduate education degrees, from the University of Hartford and Sacred Heart University. Jaret worked for Travelers Insurance upon earning his undergraduate degree. Deciding that he would be fulfilled professionally and personally by working in education, he taught school in Regional District 17 and the Old Saybrook school system. At the time of his passing, Jaret was an assistant principal in the Ledyard school district. Chief passions included Jaret's three children, his wife Angela, the New York Yankees, and the UConn Huskies. He was deeply committed to the development and nurture of children. Jaret inspired hundreds of people. Known for his determination, grit, and strength of purpose, Jaret was an avid athlete, both before and after a spinal cord injury left him a paraplegic confined to a wheelchair. Jaret didn't want his newfound physical condition to get in the way of how he approached life and how others viewed him. He motivated and encouraged his school students, fellow educators, family, and the community. Jaret's volunteer work included work at the Shoreline Food Pantry and counseling spinal cord injury patients at Gaylord Hospital. One of Jaret's often-quoted statements was "I can't: not in my vocabulary." He lived this belief with every ounce of his being. The depth of love for this uniquely talented and strong man is hard to measure. Jaret will be forever remembered as a devoted and caring father to his three young children and as an affectionate and loving husband to his wife of 8 years, Angela. The family will receive friends, in honor of Jaret's life, at the First Church of Christ, Congregational, 366 Main Street in Old Saybrook, Wednesday, June 9, from the hours of 5 to 8 p.m. A celebration of his life also will be held at the Congregational Church, Thursday, June 10, at 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be made to a college savings fund established for Angela and Jaret's three children. Please direct gifts to the Essex Savings Bank, 155 Main Street, Old Saybrook, CT 06475 and please make checks payable to the Kulmann Children's Fund c/o Essex Savings Bank.