Leo S. Bulvanoski

Leo S. Bulvanoski, 73, of Bethlehem, CT passed away on May 29, 2017 at the Alzheimer’s  Resource Center of Connecticut from complications of Parkinson’s Disease. He was surrounded by his loving family. Leo was the husband and best friend of Linda Bulvanoski.

Leo was strong as a lion and gentle as a lamb. He was a lover of dogs, red corvettes, dancing, the beach, surfing, skiing, martini-making, the Bee Gees, the Andy Griffith Show, and long Sunday drives with the top down. Those he dealt with, both in business and in politics, knew him to exemplify the word “gentlemen.”

Leo was born on May 22, 1944 in Perth Amboy, NJ to the late Leo and Gladys Bulvanoski. A graduate of Monmouth University, West Long Branch, NJ, Leo went on to be a successful business owner, politician, and civil servant, raising two children, Todd and Jodi, with his late  wife Shirley Goldberg Bulvanoski. Leo and Shirley had a passion for dogs, and in 1984 they gave up careers in New Jersey as a corporate controller for Sears and a middle school art teacher to purchase and run Hemlock Kennel in Bethlehem, CT. Leo and Shirley bred and showed champion English Labs and Bichons, and passed along their love of dogs to their children and grandchildren. Leo sold the business and retired in 2006.

Leo married Linda in 2004. In their retirement, they enjoyed spending time with friends on Hutchinson Island, FL and rocking on the front porch of their home in Connecticut with a cocktail in hand watching the sunset. Linda will most miss his gentle soul.

Leo was very proud of the town where he resided for over 30 years and was involved in Bethlehem politics as a member of the Board of Finance, Selectman, First Selectman, volunteer for the Bethlehem Ambulance Association, and member of the Lion’s Club. He loved participating in the Bethlehem Christmas Town Festival and the Memorial Day parade. He took an active role in making his town a special place to live and raise a family, including spearheading the construction of Bethlehem’s first sidewalk.

Leo was an active participant in NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) and was the co-founder of ASAP, the Local Prevention Council of Woodbury & Bethlehem for substance and alcohol abuse.

Leo is survived by his wife, Linda; his children, Todd Bulvanoski and his wife Rebecca of Greenville, NC, and Jodi Bulvanoski and her fiancé Scott Burnett of Watertown, CT; his sisters, Suzanne Reynolds and her husband Stephen of Griggstown, NJ, and Charlotte Kalamar of Farmingdale, NJ; his sisters-in-law, Joan Bulvanoski of Washington Crossing, PA, Judy Zupnick and her husand Mel of Wellington, FL, and Bernice Klabanoff and her husband Michael of Lake Worth, FL; and his step-daughters, Kelly Steen and her husband Thomas of The Woodlands, TX, and Allison Childs and her husband Donald of Charlestown, MA. He also left behind six grandchildren: Sarah Mae Jarnagan, Leah Bulvanoski, Molly Claire Bulvanoski, Bridget and Benjamin Steen, and Annabel Childs, as well as one great-grandchild, Tommy Alan Jarnagan, as well as several nieces and nephews.

Leo was predeceased by his wife, Shirley Goldberg Bulvanoski; his parents, Leo and Gladys Bulvanoski; his brother, James Bulvanoski; his brother-in-law, Harris Goldberg; and his nephew,  Michael Kalamar.

A very special thank you to the administration and staff at the Alzheimer’s Resource Center of Connecticut in Plantsville for the exemplary care Leo was given as a resident.

Visiting hours will be held on Thursday, June 8 from 4-7pm at Munson Lovetere Funeral Home, 2 School Street, Woodbury, CT.

A Memorial Service celebrating Leo’s life will be held on Friday, June 9 at 11am at Memorial Hall, 10 On The Green, Bethlehem, CT. Burial will be private at the convenience of the family.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Leo’s name to:

Alzheimer’s Resource Center of Connecticut 1261 South Main St. Plantsville CT, 06479

Parkinson’s Disease Foundation Inc. 1359 Broadway Suit 1509 New York, NY 10018

Humane Society 701 Russell Rd. Newington, CT  06111

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