John J. Bulgarella

John J. Bulgarella, age 74, of Fort Valley, GA, passed away peacefully at Trillium Woods in Byron Center on Saturday, July 12, 2025, following complications from open heart surgery. He was born September 4, 1950, in Grand Rapids, Michigan to the late John and Rose (Noto) Bulgarella.

John proudly served his country in the United States Navy during the Vietnam war. He was a Harley man and spent many years riding with the Christian Motorcycle Association and traveling the country on his bike. John loved to garden, fish, camp, and spent many Saturday nights at Berlin raceway with his kids and a big bag of peanuts. He was a true handyman and there wasn’t anything he couldn’t fix or build.

He was preceded in death by his parents, John & Rose Bulgarella; his brother, Robert Bulgarella; and his beloved boxer, Spice.

Survivors include his children Charlene Bulgarella, Stephanie Wendt, and Richard Washburn; grandchildren, Katelyn (David) Tompkins, Karly Wendt, and David Wendt III; sister Barb (David) Stafford; and beloved dog, Dozer.

Gathering of family and friends will take place on Monday, July 28, 2025, from 5:00 pm until 7:00 pm at Life Change Community Church, 3014 Newell St, Dorr, with a celebration of life service at 7:00 pm with Pastor Steve Jones officiating. Military honors will be rendered by the United States Navy.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Trillium Woods Faith Hospice.

To send a message of sympathy to the family, sign John’s online guest book, or to share a favorite memory, please visit: www.MichiganCremation.com

Cremation arrangements were entrusted to Michigan Cremation & Funeral Care, Grand Rapids, 616-452-3006, exclusive providers of Veterans Funeral Care.