Stephen Michael Kulawiak
November 26, 1980 - April 25, 2026
Stephen Michael Kulawiak
The Funeral will be livestreamed and can be accessed by clicking this link: Stephen Michael Kulawiak
It is with deepest sorrow that we announce the passing of Stephen Michael Kulawiak, 45, of Raleigh, NC on April 25, 2026, at UNC Rex Hospital after a short illness. He was born in Denville, NJ on November 26, 1980, son of John and Patricia Kulawiak.
Steve grew up in Stanhope, NJ and enjoyed playing baseball, football, basketball, and hockey with his brothers and friends. He and his family also enjoyed watching professional wrestling and traveling to the Meadowlands in East Rutherford, NJ to watch the matches live. Steve attended and graduated from Lenape Valley Regional High School in Stanhope, NJ. Two days after his graduation, Steve enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and went to boot camp in Parris Island, SC. While in the Alternate Route program with the Marines, Steve attended Norwich University in Vermont and graduated in 2005 with a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice. He later earned his Master of Arts degree in Transportation and Logistics Management from American Military University.
Steve proudly served in the Marines until his retirement as a Captain in 2013. He served as part of Operation Rapid Guardian in Kosovo, Operation Enduring Freedom in Kuwait and Iraq, and Operation Iraqi Freedom in Iraq. After retiring from the Marines, Steve had a career as a Senior Director of Operations most recently with Thermo Fisher Scientific in Raleigh, NC.
As proud as Steve was to be a Marine, nothing brought him more happiness than being a father to his three children, Alexis (19), Addison (16), and Nicklaus (14). Steve enjoyed coaching and playing softball with Alexis, attending Addison’s dance recitals and competitions, and golfing and playing video games with Nicklaus. Whether sharing stories or reflecting on the past, he loved nothing more than long talks with his children.
In addition to being a father, Steve was passionate about golf. He enjoyed his annual Hackers golf trip with his friends, even bringing home the prestigious Jim Beam Cup twice. Steve also loved Notre Dame football, the NY Giants, and the NY Mets.
Steve is survived by his parents, John and Patricia (Peach), his brothers Edwin and Robert, his daughters Alexis and Addison, and his son, Nicklaus. He is also survived by his nephew, Elliot, many loving cousins, and friends.
Visitation will be held from 5 – 8 pm on Friday, May 8, 2026, at Renaissance Funeral Home, 7615 Six Forks Road, Raleigh, NC 27615. A funeral service will take place at 10 am on Saturday, May 9, 2026, at Renaissance Funeral Home with burial services to follow at Raleigh Memorial Park, 7501 Glenwood Ave, Raleigh, NC 27612.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in memory of Steve to the Kulawiak Family Trust, c/o Ed Kulawiak, 50 Scenic Court, Hackettstown, NJ 07840, which benefits his children’s education, healthcare, and well-being and/or the Marine Corps Reserve Toys For Tots, Marine Toys for Tots.
Services
Visitation
05:00 PM - 08:00 PM
Funeral Service
10:00 AM
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