Hugh McNulty

Hugh “Buddy” McNulty passed away peacefully on Sunday, February 1, 2026, at his residence.He was 91 years old.

How can one possibly pack in everything that should be said about a man who lived 91 years? For starters, he was born in Bayonne, NJ to Neil and Margaret (nee: Hanlon) McNulty and remained a lifelong resident. A graduate of Bayonne High School and the Academy of Advanced Traffic Management, he also served in the US Army during the Korean War. The bulk of his career was spent as the Traffic Manager for Bristol Myers Squibb. Those are part of the pieces that describe Buddy, but none of those truly defined him. What did define him was much more. The love he had for his wife of 59 years, Helen “Pudgy” (nee: Rampolla), who preceded him in death, could never be measured. He viewed her as his better half. Buddy was a simple man in so many ways. His enjoyment was in the small everyday things--a walk to the corner store with a cigar in his mouth, a glass of red wine (with plenty of ice) while sitting on the couch watching Jeopardy, some Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, or a bowl of ice cream (softened in the microwave). He was very proud of his Irish heritage and delighted in listening to Irish tunes. Golf was a favorite pastime in his earlier years, but as he aged, he resorted to real enjoyment--bus trips to Atlantic City. When asked, “How did you do?” It was always “win a few dollars, lose a few dollars.” Yet he never really measured his wealth in dollars. His value was always stored in his 6 children, 15 grandchildren, and 10 great-grandchildren.

After his retirement Buddy could be found at a variety of athletic events cheering proudly for those grandkids. He was never a braggart, but when it came to those grandkids, he would take exception. He also found time to volunteer at St. John’s Soup Kitchen in Newark and St.Andrew’s Holy Name Society. As he grew in years, so did his faith. His day would begin with a walk to St. Andrew’s Church to attend morning mass. He carried his faith to the very end. When the pain of cancer overtook his body, it never weakened his beliefs. Numerous times throughout the day, when that pain surfaced, he turned to prayer for strength and comfort.

Buddy was the loving father to Michael McNulty (Karol), Suzanne Gelchion (Joe), Lisa DellaFave (Joseph), Chris McNulty (Jacqueline), Karen Duran (Gene), and Jennifer Poruczynski (Peter). He was the cherished grandfather to Dylan and Austin McNulty; Matthew Gelchion (Brittany), Ryan Gelchion (Sarah), and Casey Miles (Andy); Nicholas DellaFave (Sabrina) and Daniel DellaFave; Christopher Jr., Kaitlyn, and Kichi McNulty; Anthony, Maegan, and Allie Duran; and Emily and Avery Poruczynski. Buddy was also the proud great-grandfather to Emma and Caeli Gelchion; Luke, Elizabeth, and Joseph Gelchion; John Paul, Veronica, and Peter Miles; Luca DellaFave, and Evelyn Hurle.

Buddy will be missed by many, but we take comfort knowing he was greeted by the love of his life, Helen, as he passed through heaven’s gates. He is also predeceased by his siblings Patrick “Joe” McNulty, Catherine Wilson, Mary Malloy, and Neil McNulty. He is survived by sister-in-law Barbara McNulty along with a host of loving family members and dear friends.

Visitation will be held on Friday, February 6th, from 3-7 PM at Migliaccio Funeral Home, 851 Kennedy Boulevard, Bayonne. A mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Saturday,February 7th, at 10 AM at St. Henry’s Church, 82 West 29th Street, Bayonne. Cremation services will follow at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. John’s Soup Kitchen, PO Box 200147, Newark, NJ 07102 (https://www.njsk.org/).