The Honorable Judge Harold Michael Bulgarelli

The Honorable Judge Harold Michael Bulgarelli, age 92 of Walled Lake, was born on October 10, 1931 in Detroit during the Great Depression to Louis and Lucy (Fiori) Bulgarelli and had an older brother Richard (Lois) Bulgarelli. Married to Nancy Jane (Donaldson) Bulgarelli for nearly 58 years. Father to Michael, Paul (Tristana) and Dan (Amanda) Bulgarelli and Grandfather to Vail, Bode, Vanna, Billy, Ivy, Benji and Braden Bulgarelli. Harold was a graduate of St. Anthonys High School and attended the University of Detroit and then Wayne State Law School where he happened to meet a lovely young lady named Nancy.
Between High School and College Harold was drafted and served 2 years in Korea where he earned the Bronze Star. He entered the working world with a brief stint at Ford Motor Company before he began his 40-plus-year law career, moving from the big city to the other side of the world (according to his family) to the then tiny little town known as Walled Lake to partner with Gene Schnelz. Harold then became a District Court Judge for nearly 20 years serving the 52nd District where he retired in 1998.
A tremendous speaker and comedian, he hosted Michigan Bar ceremonies along with many retirement parties for judges, police chiefs and friends and was always keeping people laughing. He was also very involved at St. William Catholic Church where served as a lector for over 20 years. He was also the host to his high school class reunions which they had every year for over 60 years! He loved people and always had time for family, friends and clients. He was very active in the community, volunteering for many local charities, helping in any way possible. He was also a beloved baseball coach for all 3 of his sons and was very active in supporting Lakes Athletics baseball program. Once retired, he moved 6 months a year to Naples, Florida where he had many friends from Southeast Michigan and developed a whole new set of friends from the Midwest and East Coast. Harold had many friends throughout his life and continued to make people laugh and feel important.
Early on in life Harold excelled at baseball and was recruited by St. Anthony's, then a high school powerhouse, to pitch and was the first freshman to start the catholic high school all-star game at Tiger Stadium. As an adult he was a 30-year bowler on Thursdays at Wonderland Lanes where he had many trophies for high average and series. He also took up golf later in life and played with his wife and many friends a couple times a week and well into retirement.
Harold valued his family, friends Catholic faith and anything he could do to help. Harold had several sides to him – the larger-than-life persona his friends and colleagues saw, the more reserved father his family saw, or the tough, but genuinely concerned, judge that wanted to help people make positive changes. He will be missed by many, but his memory will live on through the stories told and the impact he had and the legacy he leaves behind.
A memorial service will take place for Judge Bulgarelli on Friday, June 21st at 1 PM at Lynch & Sons Funeral Home, 340 North Pontiac Trail, Walled Lake (3 Blocks South of Maple Rd.). Friends may visit 11 AM through time of service. Memorials to Lakes Area Youth Assistance, Hospitality House or Snow Approach Foundation appreciated.