https://brucekula.org/index.html



Obituary for Bruce Kula
June 5, 1951 – December 6, 2024
It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Bruce Kula, beloved husband, brother, uncle, and
great-uncle, who left us on December 6, 2024, at the age of 73.
Bruce was born on June 5, 1951, to Frank and Lorraine Kula, both of whom have predeceased him. He is
survived by his devoted wife of 33 years, Cynthia, and his two loving sisters, Cheryl Van Kempema and Laurie
(John) Caracci. His younger brother Lance predeceased him. Bruce was a cherished uncle to Diane (Mark)
Matthews, Bryan (Caitlin) Bojanowski, Julie (Gerry) Gonzalez, and Joel (Leigh) Caracci, and a proud great-uncle
to Lauren and Kaylin Matthews, Alexandra and Dylan Bojanowski, Clara and Adrian Gonzalez, and Katherine
and Carter Caracci.
Bruce was a passionate and talented musician with an infectious love for life and creativity. His musical spirit
took flight at age 13 when his father taught him 3 or 4 chords on the guitar. A longtime fan of The Byrds, in
2000 he had the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to play on stage in Chicago and Milwaukee with his friend and
fellow songwriter, Roger McGuinn. Bruce described this moment as "the thrill of his life," and it remained a
highlight of his musical journey.
Those who knew Bruce will remember his sharp wit, his sense of humor, and his unwavering dedication to his
craft. He leaves behind a legacy of original music that touched the hearts of many. His songs can still be
enjoyed on Amazon Music under the name Bruce Kula or Blue Island Beer Club.
For a glimpse into Bruce’s remarkable life, his music, and his story, visit his website at
https://brucekula.org/index.html. There you’ll find details about his life and career, along with a selection of
his songs. We take comfort knowing that his music will continue to inspire, and his memory will live on in the
hearts of all who had the privilege to know him.
From a close friend, writing to Cynthia:
“What struck me when I first heard about Bruce is how you were dealing with his devastating illness with such
dignity & grace. I just flashed back to when I first met you, and always thereafter, was just how happy & proud
Bruce was to call you his wife. I believe Bruce's genius and light was even more brilliant with you at his side.
I'm also so grateful I was given the opportunity to know Bruce firsthand and witness his brilliant mind and
talents. His insightful writing, beautiful, lyrical music, amazing artwork, not to mention his particular sense of
humor. I am ever here to talk with you about the gift Bruce genuinely was in this world or the hole felt with his
departure.

https://brucekula.org/audio/birthrighttotheblueslive.mp3


https://www.lbda.org/

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From good friend, Art Mattiello:

When I first met Bruce, I struck out badly. Allow me to explain; we had just moved in, and I saw Bruce washing
his car. I went to introduce myself as his new neighbor and held out my hand. He just looked at it and said I
didn’t know they were selling. Strike 1! Then I said, what a great Camaro, I love the Camaro and had a ’76. He
said, it’s my wife’s car. Strike 2! I then proceeded to say, hey I understand you play guitar, so do I! I love The
Beatles we should jam! He said, I do but I play The Byrds! I then proceeded to say, “Oh they’re that 12-String
Dylan cover band”… Well, that was strike 3! He just continued to wash his wife’s Camaro and said no more.
The next day, there was a knock on my door, and it was Bruce, asking if I wanted to come out and play. “Play
what” I said….why guitar of course, bring yours. And that’s how Bruce and I became the best of friends and
started the IR Beach Boys Band.

Everyone knows Bruce’s witty, keen sense of humor and bright cheery laugh! I will also cherish the time we
spent together and how he taught me a different style of guitar playing —I like to call them “Bruceisms”. He
would chuckle when I showed him a new Bruceism I applied to a Beatles’ song. His original songs were always
a challenge for me, my favorite being “Birthright to the Blues”. One of the last times he picked up the guitar
was to show me how to play the intro. Bruce you truly were a master song writer and story teller with the
guitar!

It was an honor to know you, my friend and I will never forget our time together. You may be gone physically,
but you will always be in my heart.

Rest in Peace!
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When asked how he wanted to be remembered, Bruce said please say the following about me, “Nothing gave
him greater pleasure than the thought that the sentence he was writing would cause its reader to spray wine
across the room.”
A celebration of life will be held in the coming months. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be
made in Bruce’s memory to the Lewy Body Dementia Association, Inc. https://www.lbda.org/
Bruce, you will be deeply missed, but your spirit will live on through your music and the many lives you
touched. Rest in peace.