John J. Kulnis, 62, of New Castle, passed away unexpectedly Thursday evening, April 10, 2025, in St.Elizabeth Hospital, Youngstown, OH, from injuries sustained as victim in a motor vehicle accident.

John was born June 11, 1962, in New Castle, the son of Joseph S. and Mary M. (Leonhardt) Kulnis, and was a 1980 graduate of Lawrence County Vo-Tech.

Since 2019, John has worked at the Lawrence County Courthouse in recycling and solid waste management Dept. He also served as director of maintenance at CRAY youth and family services. In 2024, John was presented with the Environmental Education Award by the Lawrence County Conservation District which recognized his outstanding commitment to preserving the environment and natural resources. He previously worked as a zoning administrator and property manager in Virginia and Florida.

John was of the Catholic faith.

A motorcycle enthusiast, John loved to travel and enjoyed the outdoors.

In addition to his mother, Mary M. Kulnis, of Union Twp., John is survived by two sisters, Barbara A. McGinn, of Elizabeth, CO, and Mary E. Kulnis, of Union Twp.; four nieces, Shannon Kulnis, Morgan McGinn, Erin Smith, and Caitlin McGinn; and two great-nephews, Gage Krueger and Brantley Kulnis - all of whom will miss John greatly, especially his enduring smile and personality.

Calling hours will be 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday (4-15-25) in J. Bradley McGonigle Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., 111 W. Falls St., New Castle.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 10 a.m. Wednesday (4-16-25) in Holy Spirit Parish – St. Mary's Church, 124 N. Beaver St., New Castle, with Fr. Aaron Kriss, as celebrant.

Interment will follow in St. Mary's Cemetery, Union Twp.