George D. Kulakowski

George Daniel Kulakowski, 74, died peacefully at his home on Rainbow Mountain in Punxsutawney on August 11, 2026, surrounded by his wife and children.

He was born December 1, 1951 in Washington, PA to Jerome and Amelia (née Zitkovich) Kulakowski. He was preceded in death by his parents and wife, Jean Weber, with whom he had two sons. For the last 21 years of his life, he was wed to Jody Lucas Kulakowski, who remains behind until their spirits reunite. Also surviving his occupation of the physical plane are George & Jody’s four children, from youngest to oldest: Jade, Sage, & Christopher, all of Punxsutawney, and George Karl of Portland, OR, as well as George’s brother, David Kulakowski & his wife, Sandy, of Butler, PA.

George spent most of his youth in Allison Park, PA. He graduated from Dusquesne University where he co-founded their hockey team and remained on the coaching staff for a time after his graduation. Loving both hockey and music, George worked at the Civic Arena for five years. He later joined the International Brotherhood of Boilermakers; however, the nightmares he caused his coworkers when he was learning to weld led him back to school to obtain a law degree at the University of Pittsburgh.

George, being a country boy at heart, moved to Jefferson County in the early 1980s to work first with Jackson Casey and later, Nick Lorenzo before establishing his own practice in Sykesville where he remained until retirement in 2016. George scaled back his practice in the later years to spend more time fishing, believing, “Work is for people who never learned to fish.” George enjoyed fishing locally, but also loved traveling to Pymatuning Lake where, in his childhood, he spent many summers with his family. His favorite spot was Hatteras Island, NC, fishing in the surf & in the Gulf Stream.

George loved music and grieved with his wife when John Prine died in the early days of the Covid pandemic. George also loved the Grateful Dead, and his passing was one day after the anniversary of Jerry Garcia’s, almost like he planned it. George and his wife attended many live music events every year.

George gave his time, his professional skills, and his love for sports and theater to his adopted community. George never met a microphone or podium he didn’t like. Over the years, he was involved with Tri-County Addiction, Cross Roads Domestic Violence Shelters, and Clearfield-Jefferson Drug & Alcohol Commission. He coached T-ball & Little League, participated in an adult volleyball league, acted in plays at the Reitz Theater, and served on the Punxsutawney Area School Board. George was also involved with Lawyers Concerned for Lawyers for many years.

George was a lifelong ally to women, minorities, & LGBTQ groups, often reminding his wife, “I was a feminist before you were born.” George lived a sober life for his last 23 years, 10 months, and 23 days on Earth. He was very active in his recovery community, and his sober friends will keep his memory alive by sharing his motto: “You can pretend to care, but you can’t pretend to show up.” George always showed up.

There will be no funeral at George’s request, but the family will be announcing a Celebration of Life for George in the near future and hopes you all can attend.