John F. Bulson

John F. Bulson, 78, of Utica, passed away peacefully, surrounded by those he loved on Friday, December 19, 2025, at St. Lukes Rehabilitation.

John was born in Troy, NY, June 4, 1947, the eldest of eight children to Walter H. and Margaret L. (Ecret) Bulson. He was raised in Watervliet and was a graduate of Shenendehowa High School in Clifton Park. John later attended Utica College, Union College, and MVCC. On August 17, 1968, John was joined in marriage to Lorraine Gentile, with whom he shared fifty-seven loving years. He served in the military as a member of the Army Security Agency from 1968 to 1974 and was stationed in West Germany with his family. Following his service to our country, he completed his studies at SUNY Upper Division, where he received his bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering.

John was Quality Control Manager and International Trade Compliance Officer at ESCO Turbine Technology, where he worked for over twenty-seven years.

John’s life revolved around family, and his passion was the Martial Arts, which he practiced and taught for fifty years. He trained in Myo Sim Tang Soo Do with Master Hong and later owned and operated the Sim Do Kwan Institute of Self-Defense. He achieved the status of Sensei in many disciplines, including Myo Sim Tang Soo Do, Jujutsu, Korean Kempo, Chi Kung, Yang style Tai Chi Chuan, and Tai Chi wellness and fitness. He was well regarded as a master of martial arts in this area.

John was an accomplished cook and gardener, who loved to grill and utilize produce from his garden. He enjoyed cooking for family and friends at countless gatherings over the years. John comes from a musical family, and when they got together they often brought their instruments. He loved playing his guitar and singing with his relatives. He had a great interest in Taoist philosophy, and kept several texts on the subject in his home library.

A man with so many interests and accomplishments, he will be truly missed.

He is survived by his loving wife, Lorraine; his mom, Margaret; daughter and son-in-law, Cara and Russell Arcuri; son and daughter-in-law, Eric and Rasha Bulson; grandchildren, Russell Ian Arcuri, Charlotte “Arlo” Rose Arcuri, Addison Walter Arcuri, Oronzo Aubrey Bulson, and Esther-Mae Josephine Generosa Bulson; siblings, William (Lucretia) Bulson, Ronald Bulson, Donald Bulson, Karen (Tom) Pray, Diane Bulson, and Susan (Mark) Gardy; one sister-in-law, Frances Stapelkemper; and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his father, Walter Bulson; and brother, Robert Bulson Sr.

In accordance with John’s wishes, his family will honor him privately with Military Honors. Family and friends are encouraged to contact the family or leave a message of sympathy at www.MattFuneralHome.com

The family would like to offer their heartfelt thanks to the staff of the St. Lukes Rehab, for the loving care shown to John and his family during his stay.

In memory of John Bulson and in consideration of his love for gardening, donations can be made to olmstedcity.org or greenutica.org

Arrangements are with the Matt Funeral Home, Utica, NY.  www.MattFuneralHome.com

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