Dr. John G. Kulba

Dr. John G. Kulba, loving husband of Irene Kulba, with whom he celebrated 72 years of marriage, passed away on January 31, 2026, surrounded by his loving family.

Dr. Kulba was born in Franklin Borough, Johnstown, Pennsylvania. He was the son of John and Anna (Singel) Kulba, both deceased.

Dr. Kulba was a graduate of Franklin Borough High School, Johnstown, PA. Active in athletics, he was proud to have been a starting player on the only undefeated championship football team in the history of his high school and the basketball team that reached the state quarter finals.

He attended the University of Pittsburgh on a scholarship, graduating Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science degree. He was a member of Phi Theta Kappa and Beta Beta Beta honorary biology fraternity. After graduation, he married his high-school sweetheart, Irene, from his rival high school. They were married 72 years.

Entering the army during the Korean War, he was proud to serve with a special operations US Army Unit 8240, United Nations Partisan Infantry Korea. Awarded four medals for his service, he received an honorable discharge.

Upon discharge from the army, he received a full scholarship to the Pennsylvania College of Optometry. Serving as class president for four years, he graduated with a Doctor of Optometry degree and received two medals – for the highest academic record and for leadership and scientific ability.

Coming to East Stroudsburg in 1959, he had an optometric practice at 51 Washington Street for 41 years, retiring in 1999. Professionally, he was a member of the Pennsylvania Optometric Association, the American Optometric Association, charter member of the Contact Lens Section of the Optometric Association and a Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry. He was also a member of the Beta Sigma Kapa international honorary optometric fraternity and was a charter member of Vision USA providing free eye care to low-income patients. A highlight of his professional career was being selected with 62 other doctors in 1985 to tour and lecture at Chinese medical schools and hospitals exchanging ideas on eye care practice.

During his professional career, Dr. Kulba was also active with several community civic organizations. He was on the board of the Visiting Nurse Association for 10 years, serving 2 years as president. A member of the Rotary Club of the Stroudsburgs for almost 70 years, he received The Paul Harris Award from Rotary International for furthering understanding among peoples of the world and in 2005, the Rotarian of the Year award for distinguished service. He was a member of St. Matthew's Roman Catholic Church for over 65 years.

Dr. Kulba was a devoted fan of East Stroudsburg University athletics. He helped in starting the annual Pocono Basketball Tournament in 1964, serving as chairman of the all-tournament selection committee for many years. In 2003, he was awarded a Varsity S jacket for his support and contributions to ESU athletics. In 2007, he was awarded a lifetime pass to all East Stroudsburg University athletic events.

John and his wife, Irene, enjoyed traveling and spending time with their family. Reading, swimming, lawn work and helping his wife with her gardening were his favorite pastimes.

In addition to his loving wife, Irene, he is survived by daughters: Karen Gamble and husband, David, of Wynnewood, PA; Laura Kuhlmann and husband Hans of Little Egg Harbor, NJ; and granddaughter Ann Gamble of Wynnewood, PA. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Renee Kulba.

A private funeral took place for the family at St. Matthew's Roman Catholic Church in East Stroudsburg with entombment at the Laurel Oak Mausoleum at Laurelwood Cemetery. Arrangements were entrusted to the Joseph J. Pula Funeral Home, Inc., 23 N 9th Street, Stroudsburg PA 18360.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his memory to St. Matthew's Roman Catholic Church, 78 Ridgeway Street, East Stroudsburg, PA 18301.

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