Stanley A. Bulanda

To Stanley A. Bulanda, the entire world was a stage. An expressive, optimistic, and uninhibited individual, he was a performer in the theater of life. To everyone around him, he seemed to be eternally happy, and he willingly shared that joy with anyone whose life he touched. For Stas, bringing out the best in any situation was as easy as offering a smile, a witty remark or the twinkle of an eye. And with just those simple gestures, he could evoke the most pleasant of emotions. Stas really mastered the art of living and had great fun in doing so.

       His parents were Stanley and Sally Bulanda. Stas was raised in Chicago, Illinois. Even as a child, Stas had the ability to lift the spirits of all those around him. He was raised to be warm, caring and friendly. He couldn't help but capture everyone's attention. He was definitely a little bit of a show off, but in doing so, he succeeded in entertaining his entire family.

      Always a good playmate, Stas was easygoing and fun loving. He managed to lighten the mood wherever he was, even during family squabbles. He seemed to have a knack for bringing compromise and erasing tense situations around the house. Due to a generous dose of common sense, Stas managed to find a satisfying solution to basic problems. Stas was raised with two siblings. He had one brother John and a sister Sally.

      All of Stas's playful good humor carried over into his childhood. He was possessed with an outgoing personality, a lively imagination and a mellowed enthusiasm for life that allowed him to be constantly on the go. As a result, Stas experienced a rather active childhood, and this suited him very well. He was in the school band. In his spare time he liked playing musical instruments.

      Ask anyone who knew him from school and they would tell you that Stas was a class "cut-up." He didn't do it to be unkind or to garner all the attention. Rather, Stas simply enjoyed others' laughter and the sounds of his friends and acquaintances having a good time. It could be said that for Stas, grades may not have been the most important thing to him, but he really did enjoy his school experience. Since experience was Stas's best teacher. He enjoyed hands-on learning and applying the "practical" approach to knowledge, rather than getting caught up in "theory." Stas graduated from Kelly High School in 1972. He enjoyed some courses more than others, having favorite classes and teachers. His favorite class in high school was music. The teacher he enjoyed learning from the most was Mr. Gelsimino.

      Stas never actually encountered a stranger in his dealings with people. He was drawn to individuals and crowds, using his gregarious, adaptable and outgoing personality to captivate his audience. This quality allowed Stas to continually develop new relationships, ever widening his circle of friends. Stas delighted in his role among all his acquaintances, because he viewed them all as potential spectators for his performance. Whether it was a story, a joke, a song or just plain fooling around, Stas was always right at home putting on a show among his friends. Stas utilized his interest in others as a great way to connect with them. While growing up, one of his best friends was Stan Wozniak. Later in life, he became friends with John Furmaniak, Ted Kiewicz. Stas loved sharing life and having his home filled with people he knew.

      The gift of being emotionally expressive and outwardly affectionate made Stas very easy to approach. On September 18, 1976 Stas exchanged wedding vows with Diane Marie Whyte at St. Pancratius Church of Chicago, Illinois. He tried hard not to impose on his spouse. He was always sensitive to other people's feelings, and that was especially true in marriage.

      Perhaps the reason Stas related so well to children was the fact that he never really completely grew up himself. The ability to be just a "kid at heart" helped him in raising his own children. Stas was blessed with three children, Erica, Jenny and Tommy. Stas had the ability to focus his attention on the present moment. If he was spending time with the kids, that's where all of his attention was directed. Stas's compassionate side prevented him from being a strict disciplinarian, and he could turn just about any situation into a playful, learning experience. He could spend hours entertaining them with fun and creative play. In fact, Stas had a knack for turning some of those nasty old chores into games.

      At work, as in life, Stas was a real "people person. " he had a very successful way of dealing effectively with others, and his enthusiasm and energy was often contagious. Stas liked to see himself as something of a virtuoso. When dealing with various projects and problems, Stas was an adaptable realist, using his common sense and trusting his experiences and impulses to uncover the correct answer. Stas's talent for being a down to earth thinker, allowed many around him to see Stas as an excellent problem solver. His primary occupation was a musician.

      Stas enjoyed his leisure time by taking part in various hobbies. He concentrated on his true gift music. His favorite pursuit was song writing. Stas was content to enjoy his hobbies alone but was also willing to share his interests with others.

      Stas felt excited and challenged by sports. Stas was also something of a sports fan and enjoyed watching his favorite events whenever he got the opportunity. Tops on his list were football and baseball.

      Stas had an endless appetite for new and different activities. He was always ready to join in the fun and add his flair and energy to an organization. Because of his personality, his humor, and his ability to get along with everyone, Stas's service was greatly valued by the organizations to which he belonged. In high school, Stas was a member of the band. Throughout his later years, Stas was an active member of the IPA, UPA, USPA, and John Sably Circle #1.

      Vested with a deep concern for spiritual development, Stas recognized that his faith was important to him throughout his life. He was a member St. Bruno Church for 40 years.

      Naturally outgoing and generous, Stas was regularly doing things for others. For him, the gift of giving to others was second nature. Though he never set out to gain individual recognition, Stas was given accolades for his many and varied accomplishments throughout his life. Some of his most prestigious awards included Polka Hall of Fame inductee, songwriters award, grammy nomination and various musical instrument awards.

      Living life in the fast lane suited Stas just fine. It is no surprise that he loved to travel and to visit new and different places. He was naturally curious about other parts of the world and loved the real life adventure that came from visiting them. He was impulsive and willing to try anything once. Favorite vacations included a carribean cruise and Wisconsin Dells.

      Stas passed away on January 6, 2010 at Christ Hospital in Oak Lawn, IL. He fought a brave battle against cancer. He is survived by his wife Diane, children Erica, Jenny and Tommy, brother John and sister Sally. Sisters & brothers-in-law and many many friends. Services were held at St. Daniel the Prophet Church. Stas was laid to rest in Resurrection Cemetery in Justice, IL.

      Stas brought joy to all of those around him. He never had a mean bone in his body. He loved to have a good time and was an eternal optimist, always looking on the bright side of things. He loved to share his energy, wit, and his zest for all of his activities with his friends and family. Stanley A. Bulanda lived life to its fullest and made everyone around him happier just for knowing him. He will be remembered with a smile.