Robert Joe Fulkerson

Robert Joe Fulkerson of Guilford, formerly of Lindenhurst, New York, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, December 31, 2025, at the Hospital of St. Raphael Campus of Yale New Haven Hospital, surrounded by his loving family after a long illness. He was the devoted husband of Kathleen (Baginski) Fulkerson for more than 56 years. The couple were married on November 8, 1969.
Born on November 2, 1945, in Central City, Kentucky, Bob was the son of the late Levi and Flora (Arndell) Fulkerson. He proudly served his country in the United States Navy during the Vietnam War. Following his military service, Bob settled on Long Island, where he raised his family and began a long career in aviation. He worked at JFK Airport for National Airlines and Pan Am Airlines, operated a small business called TCB offering private plane rentals and later served as a flight engineer for Tower Air until his retirement. Alongside his son, he also ran Complete Power Equipment.
Bob's lifelong passion for aviation was evident in all he did; he held a private pilot's license and loved anything mechanical, especially repairing what others thought could not be fixed. His work and personal adventures took him to more than 30 countries, fueling a deep curiosity and love of travel. In his free time, Bob enjoyed boating, fishing and antique cars, particularly Corvettes.
In addition to his wife Kathleen, Bob is survived by his children, Jennifer (Tad) Fallon of Old Lyme and Jeremy Fulkerson (Erica Lussier) of Westbrook; his cherished grandchildren, Liam and Davis Fallon and Amelia Fulkerson; and his sister, Nelda Stark of Bloomington, Illinois. He also leaves behind many beloved nieces, nephews and friends. Bob was predeceased by his siblings Judy Saylor, Willard Fulkerson, Georgia LaRoy and Janie Kelly.
Family and friends are invited to attend a visitation on Wednesday, January 21, from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m., followed by a service at 11:30 a.m., at the W. S. Clancy Memorial Funeral Home, 244 North Main Street, Branford. Burial will follow at the State Veterans Cemetery in Middletown at 1:00 PM.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Connecticut Food Bank at Community Baptist Church, 143 Shelton Avenue, New Haven, CT 06511, where Bob generously volunteered his time.