Bulina was a member of the Tabernacle Township Board of Education for 28 years, including four years as president. He also served on the executive committee of the Burlington County School Boards Association and was a commissioner at the Burlington County Educational Media Technology Center for 11 years. Before being elected president of NJSBA, he served as vice president for legislation/resolution for two years and vice president for finance for four years. He was passionate about helping students learn and grow, and he took great pride in the relationships he built throughout his career.
While NJSBA president, Bulina spoke of the need to create an “all-encompassing educational system.” Guided by the vision, he initiated major studies of the impact of health and wellness on student achievement, school security, STEM/STEAM, and best practices to narrow the achievement gap. Governor Christie appointed him to serve on his Advisory Board on Youth and Collegiate Activities. Under Bulina’s leadership, the NJSBA-Sustainable Jersey partnership was forged, and he served as the first school representative appointed to the Sustainable Jersey Board of Trustees in 2013 after Sustainable Jersey for Schools was launched.
"John Bulina never stopped fighting for children," said Dr. Timothy J. Purnell, NJSBA executive director and CEO. "He understood that preparing students for the future meant embracing innovation, supporting student achievement and encouraging creativity through initiatives like STEAM Tank. His passion for public education continues to inspire us."
In addition to education, Bulina had a passion for skiing and served as a professional ski Instructor. He was proud to have attended three Olympic Games as a spectator; he even skied the Olympic downhill course in Lake Placid. In addition to skiing, Bulina played soccer in college and coached soccer for 34 years with Tabernacle's Athletic Association, South Jersey Girls Select, New Jersey Olympic Development Program and Burlington County College. Coaching was simply another form of teaching and a way he helped young people discover their capabilities and passions.
Several NJSBA past presidents paid tribute to Bulina.
“John was a great man, truly a remarkable human being. I learned a lot from him. He made significant contributions to NJSBA and the education community. He leaves a legacy of honor, integrity, and kindness. May he rest in peace.” - Dr. Karen Cortellino, M.D., NJSBA President 2023-2025.
“John was an amazing person! Always a gentleman… a mentor… a friend. He was so proud of his family and always had a story to share! He deserves credit for NJSBA’s partnership with the military. We are better people, better board members, better servants to the children of New Jersey because John influenced our lives. May he rest in peace knowing that we will pick up his yoke and carry forward the work in the way he showed us.” - Irene LeFebvre, NJSBA President 2021-2023.
“John was a mentor to me in Burlington County. He encouraged me to become an officer at the county level, and then, when he became VP of finance at New Jersey School Boards, he guided me to be an officer at New Jersey School Boards and mentored me right through my presidency. I always loved the long conversations that John and I had; very helpful, very articulate and very educational. He was always there to do anything to help the children of the state of New Jersey. He truly was a good friend and a colleague. I will miss him greatly.” - Michael McClure, NJSBA President 2019-2021.
“It is hard to capture in a few short words the loss of a long-time colleague and dear friend. My NJSBA and personal relationship with John spanned more than three decades. During my tenure as Association President, John was my Vice President. During his tenure as President, I was his IPP. Over the years, we worked together as partners on so many extraordinary endeavors on behalf of NJSBA. John was always there as mentor, sounding board, and compassionate advocate for public education – a true leader in every sense of the word. Our NJSBA relationship blossomed into a true friendship. Shared golf trips and outings, travel and gatherings (most often with NJSBA friends) have given rise to so many treasured memories. Time shared with John (including the stories he could tell) was always something very special to be enjoyed. I will miss him more than these words can express and extend my deepest sympathies to Sue and family.” - Raymond R. Wiss, NJSBA President 2010-2012.
“John’s father instilled in him the importance of education at an early age, and John went on to become an educator in every sense of the word: teacher, coach, ski instructor, mentor, school board member, and NJSBA President. At his core, John loved people—his family, his colleagues, and his students—and so many of us were blessed by his enduring friendship. I once asked school board members to consider this: When that inevitable last time for everything comes, will they leave with confidence, knowing they have touched not only minds, but hearts? I have no doubt that John Bulina did. He touched countless hearts, and we are all better for having known him.” - Kevin Ciak, NJSBA President 2006-2008.
Bulina is survived by his loving wife, Susan; his daughters Jennifer (Gregory) Kurilla, Jessica (Shawn) Iuliucci, and Julianna (Christopher) Merwin; his grandchildren Gregory, Nicholas, Michael, Lucas, Gabriella, Matthew, Sophia, and Lillyanna; his sisters Anna Marie (John) Benedetto and Irene (Andrew) Komar; and numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews.
A memorial tribute will take place on Saturday, Aug. 8, 2026, with visitation from 9 to 11 a.m., followed by a funeral mass at 11 a.m. at St. Nicholas Byzantine Catholic Church, 191 Norman Avenue in Roebling, NJ. Instead of flowers, donations can be made to St. Nicholas Byzantine Church.
|
