Thomas A. Bulla

GUILDERLAND – Thomas A. Bulla, 63, of Guilderland, passed away suddenly of heart disease on Friday August 12, 2011 at Ellis Hospital. He was born in Grayling, Michigan and was the son of the late Ralph and Dorothy Bulla.
Tom graduated from Brentwood, NY High School in 1966. He then proudly served in the United States Navy as a Corpsman during the Vietnam War. He later served in the US Army as an Infantryman being stationed at Ft Lewis, Washington, S. Korea and ending his service time as a Drill Sgt. at Ft Benning, GA. Following his military service, he was a cable technician for many years building cable vision systems before becoming disabled. He earned both an Associates in Arts and an Associate in Sciences (Electronics Engineering Technology) at Edison Community College.
He was an avid ham radio operator and active member of the Schenectady Museum Amateur Radio Association and former member of the Electric City Clown Alley. He also was a volunteer with the American Red Cross. Tom was a man of many interests and over time pursued a variety of hobbies including, birding, camping, jewelry making, fishing, clowning, tin whistle playing, contra dancing and general all-around merry-making. Tom loved to make kids of all ages happy. Whether telling stories, playing games, doing magic tricks or making balloon animals, he would revel in the joyful sounds of children around him.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Lynn Bulla; his sons, Colin (Kris), Jesse, and Devin; his daughters Stephanie (Glen) and Emily; his grandchildren Xavier, Ian, and Drake Bulla; Randy Hicks and Ashley Karlsson. Two brothers, William and Donald Bulla, also survive him. He was predeceased by his sister, JoAnne Meacher. He leaves behind many beloved nieces and nephews.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend visiting hours from 11 am to 1 pm, Wednesday, August 24, 2011, followed by a prayer service at 1 pm at New Comer Cannon Funeral Home, 343 New Karner Rd, Colonie.
The family would like to thank the Albany VA Medical Center and staff at Ellis Hospital for the care given to Tom as well as friends and neighbors for their outpouring of love and support shown to the family. Memorial contributions may be made to The Bulla Children Scholarship Fund, c/o CapCom FCU, 18 Computer Drive E., Albany, NY 12205 for the education needs of his youngest children.