Dr. Joseph J. Bulmer

SARATOGA SPRINGS Dr. Joseph J. Bulmer, 76, of Saratoga Springs, N.Y., passed away Friday, October 6, 2006 at his home surrounded by his loving family and friends. Born on December 15, 1929 in Troy, he was the son of the late William and Alice (Powers) Bulmer. Joe graduated as valedictorian from LaSalle Institute, Troy in 1947. He earned several advanced degrees including a B.S. in chemical engineering from RPI in 1951; an M.S.E in nuclear engineering from the University of Michigan in 1955; a certificate from the Oak Ridge School of Reactor Technology in 1956; and a Ph.D. in nuclear engineering from RPI in 1966. From 1952-1954, he also served as an instructor in the U.S. Army. Joe married Louise Lou Ann Poland on October 20, 1951. He was a member of St. Peter's Parish in Saratoga Springs. Joe had a lifelong love of sports and was a Capital District region football and basketball referee for many years. He loved spending time with his family and especially enjoyed singing his favorite songs while Lou Ann played the piano. Some of his most memorable days were spent with family and friends at Friends Lake and enjoying the warmth of Myrtle Beach, S.C. Dr. Bulmer was a well known and respected business leader. He worked for Knolls Atomic Power Lab, a General Electric company in Schenectady from 1962-1979 as a nuclear engineer and as manager of more than 2,500 civilian and naval personnel as manager of Operating Nuclear Plants. From 1979 until his retirement in 1996, he served as president of Hudson Valley Community College, Troy. After retiring, he continued to serve the NYS Community College system by acting as interim president for Sullivan, Onondaga, Fulton-Montgomery and Clinton County Community colleges. In addition to his full-time positions, he also was an adjunct professor at both Union College and RPI, teaching graduate courses in nuclear science and nuclear reactor theory from 1958-1975. Joe was also involved in many local business and community organizations. Throughout his career, he served on almost 60 different boards, committees and commissions including: the Governor's Excelsior Committee, the Executive Committee - Center for Economic Growth, the College of St. Rose - Board of Directors, president of the Chamber of Commerce of Greater Troy Area, Samaritan Hospital - Board of Directors, St. Mary's Hospital - Board of Directors, and as vice chairman - American Nuclear Society. His brilliance as a scholar and as a leader was matched only by his love of family and friends and his compassion for those less fortunate than himself. His many awards and accomplishments reflect his passion for excellence, his commitment to providing opportunities for all and his love for his community. A few of the awards he received include: Doctorate of Humane Letters - the College of St. Rose, the Albert Fox Demers Alumni Medal - RPI, Man of the Year Award - YMCA of the Capital District, Academic Laureate Award presented by the University at Albany Foundation and the Governor of the State of NY's - Americans with Disabilities Act Advocacy Award, presented by Governor Mario M. Cuomo. Aside from his parents, Joe was preceded in death by his wife of 54 years, Louise A. Bulmer;his brothers, Jack and William; and his sister, Alice. Survivors include his six children, Joseph Bulmer Jr., David Bulmer and wife Annie, Kathleen Pellegrino and husband Stephen, Mark Bulmer and wife Clare, Paul Bulmer and wife Leslie, Susan Bulmer; and his brother Thomas Bulmer and wife Gertrude. Joe is also survived by 10 grandchildren; along with numerous nieces and nephews, all of whom loved him for his wit, wisdom, kindness and interest in their lives. The family greatly appreciated the care and compassion of all members of Hospice who visited daily, the personal care provided around the clock by the staff of Interim Healthcare and the medical care provided by Drs. Mastrianni, Liebers and Keefe. Relatives and friends are invited to attend the Mass of Christian Burial Tuesday, October 10 at 11 a.m. at Sacred Heart Church in Troy. Calling hours will be on Monday, October 9 from 3 p.m. - 8 p.m. at the New Comer-Cannon Family Funeral Home, 343 New Karner Road, Colonie (Rt. 155 - south of Central Avenue). Interment will be in St. Mary's Cemetery, Troy. Those who wish may make memorial contributions to the Community Hospice of Saratoga County, 179 Lawrence Street, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866; the Dr. Joseph J. Bulmer Scholarship Fund c/o Hudson Valley Community College Foundation, 80 Vandenburgh Avenue, Troy, NY 12180; or to the charity of their choice. Expressions of sympathy may be made to: Newcomerfamily.com