Educator, devoted Catholic, lifelong learner, loving family man

William "Bill" Steven Kulbacki of Pensacola, Florida, passed away peacefully on June 11, 2026. Born in Hillsborough, New Hampshire, in 1932, he was the ninth of ten children born to Leopold "Bill" Kulbacki and Agnes (Rumak) Kulbacki. Bill graduated from Hillsborough High School in 1949 and earned a Bachelor of Science in Geology from the University of New Hampshire in 1955, where he was a member of Phi Delta Theta fraternity.

After college, Bill worked for the Sanborn Map Company creating fire insurance maps throughout New England and New York. Wanting to be closer to family, he began a lifelong career in education, teaching science at Antrim High School before spending 32 years at Hopkinton High School. He also taught geology at New England College and Hawthorne College.

Bill continued his education throughout his career, receiving a National Science Foundation scholarship to study at Earlham, Dartmouth, and Shenandoah Colleges. He earned a Master of Science in Education from Keene State College and a Master of Science in Botany from Washington State University.

He faithfully served his community on the Deering Select Board and Conservation Commission and as president of the St. Mary's Catholic Church council, extraordinary minister, and confirmation teacher. After retiring, Bill moved to Pensacola, Florida, where he remained active at the Basilica of St. Michael as an extraordinary minister and Fourth Degree member of the Knights of Columbus. He also volunteered at the St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Store, where he was affectionately known as the "fix-it guy."

Bill was a gentle man, an avid reader, a lifelong learner, and a true polymath. Even into his nineties he could enthusiastically discuss geology, biology, botany, the geography of New England and New York, and the many family trips he enjoyed throughout the United States. Above all, he was a devoted husband, father, uncle, grandfather, and friend.

Bill is survived by his wife, Frances (Daigle) Kulbacki, of Pensacola. He was predeceased by his siblings Dorothy, Lydia, Fred, Etta, Evelynn, Ted, Michael, his twin sister Thalia, and Kathy; his first wife, Alice (Griffen) Kulbacki; and their daughters Carol and Nancy.

He is survived by their sons Peter and his wife Babben (West) Kulbacki of Enfield, New Hampshire; Jess Kulbacki and Thomas Kulbacki of Hillsborough, New Hampshire; Fran's daughters Jennifer of Pensacola and Julie Duncan of St. Louis, Missouri, along with her children Blake and Trevor; his grandchildren Amanda and her husband Edward Dunbar, Alec Kulbacki, Todd and his wife Gabby Gordon, Brittney Kulbacki Hall and her son Chase, Spencer and his wife Cheryl Kulbacki, Braeden Kulbacki, Tryder Kulbacki, and numerous nieces and nephews.

We will remember Bill for his deep love of Christ, his unwavering devotion to family, his wonderful storytelling, and the wisdom gained through 93 years of remarkable joys and profound sorrows. Ninety-three years simply was not enough time with one of the world's truly good people. The world is better because he was part of it, and he will be deeply missed.A visitation will be held from 10:00AM to 12:00PM on Saturday, August 1, 2026, at Holt-Woodbury Funeral Home, 32 School St, Hillsborough, NH 03244, with committal to be held at 12:30PM at St. Mary Cemetery, 104 Center Rd, Hillsborough, NH. A celebration of life to follow from 1:30PM to 4:00pm at the American Legion, 538 W Main St, Hillsborough, NH.