William "Bill" J. Kulnis

Poland - William James Kulnis, 89, formerly of Poland, Ohio, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, March 5, 2025, at Aventura at Humility House in Austintown, surrounded by his family.

Known by his loved ones as "Bill," he was born on April 7, 1935 in New Castle, PA, to the late Felix and Pauline (Wojciehowski) Kulnis.

Bill graduated from New Castle High School and attended the University of Pittsburgh. His family moved to Poland, Ohio in 1982, where he made his home for the remainder of his life.

In 1956, Bill began his career at Youngstown Steel as a boilermaker apprentice in the Campbell boiler and weld shop, completing his apprenticeship in 1960. He worked his way through the ranks, becoming maintenance turn foreman in the Campbell hot strip in 1965, advancing to maintenance engineer in central maintenance in 1966, and later to assistant general operating foreman of the Briar Hill blooming mill in 1967. Bill’s career culminated in his promotion to general operating maintenance foreman at the Briar Hill open hearth in 1975. After retiring from the steel industry, Bill continued to contribute his expertise, working for Educational System Workshop (ESW) for several years.

A dedicated professional, Bill was a member of the American Managers Association and the Briar Hill Supervisors Club. He was also the recipient of numerous awards, including the 1977 Foreman of the Year award for Northern Ohio Steel Making Division by the American Institute of Mining, Metallurgical, and Petroleum Engineers, and the 1975 Mach I Award in the Youngstown District of Youngstown Steel.

Bill was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and brother. He cherished time spent with his family, especially his grandchildren. An avid supporter of the Pittsburgh Steelers and Ohio State Buckeyes, Bill’s love for his teams was unwavering. In his younger years, he enjoyed spending time outdoors, particularly deer hunting. Bill also had a passion for country music and even wrote a few country songs. In his free time, Bill's passion was working in his woodshop crafting many projects for family and friends.

Bill is survived by two children, William "Billy" J. (Danielle) Kulnis Jr. of Macungie, PA, and Alison (Randy) McCloskey of Lake Milton, OH; a daughter-in-law, Debbie Kulnis of Suffolk, VA; three grandchildren, Ashley "Amy" (Darren Cross) Kulnis, Kadena (Ronald) Morgan, and Kaitlyn Kulnis; three great-grandchildren, Rhandi Morgan, Mitchell Kulnis, and Victoria Kulnis.

In addition to his parents, Bill was preceded in death by his wife of 56 years, Mary Jane (Nagy) Kulnis, whom he married on October 20, 1956, and who passed away on February 5, 2012; a son, Randall W. Kulnis; a grandson, Jaison R. Kulnis; three brothers, Felix Kulnis Jr., Joe Kulnis, and Bobby Kulnis; and three sisters, Jean Kulnis, Charlotte "Tootsie" DeNuccio and Annie Curran.

As per Bill's request, private funeral services will be held at Cunningham-Becker Funeral Home, 270 N. Main Street in Poland. Interment will take place at Poland Riverside Cemetery in Poland, OH.

The family asks that you visit www.beckerobits.com to share memories and condolences with them during this time.