Jeffrey Joseph Gulla

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Jeffrey Joseph Gulla, who left this world on March 9, 2025, in Lakeland, Florida, at the age of 68. Jeff was a beloved husband to his wife, Janet Marie Lewis Gulla, who no doubt greeted him at the pearly gates with a sigh and an eye roll. He was also a devoted father, grandfather, uncle, and friend-known for his silly quips, extraordinary cooking, and deep passion for sports. If you knew Jeff in any way, chances are he talked to you about golf or baseball at least once (whether you asked or not).
Born in Rockville Centre, NY, on March 26, 1956, Jeff spent his early years in Levittown, NY, Graduated from the Culinary Institute of America in 1982 before moving to Kentucky in the '90s. In retirement, he found his way to Florida, where he fully embraced the good life-sunshine, golf, and perfecting his already legendary cooking skills. Jeff poured his passion into everything he did, living by his own words: "Pick a job, big or small, do it right or not at all." He had an unmatched ability to turn any moment into a memory, and anyone lucky enough to know him has at least one story that ends with, "And then we were laughing so hard we cried."
From his famous cookies and homemade meals to his ability to bring people together over made-up games, Jeff knew how to make life more fun. Whether you knew him from childhood, shared a round of golf, joined him on a family vacation, or just spent an afternoon in his company, Jeff had a way of making everyone feel welcome, appreciated, and usually a little sore from laughing.
He is survived by his siblings, children, nieces and nephews, grandchildren, granddog and great-grandchildren, all of whom will forever cherish his memory (and probably still hear his voice offering unsolicited golf tips in their heads).
Jeff's warmth, laughter, and love will be deeply missed, but his spirit will live on in all who knew him. And, of course, he was never one for formalities- he was always called Golf Chef Jeff or Joey Bag-a-Donuts, because he never wanted to be called by his real name anyway. So, the next time you step onto a golf course, take a deep breath, line up your shot, and remember his words: See it. Feel it. Trust it.
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