John Pulaski
LITTLE FALLS – On June 4th 2025, John Pulaski passed away in the arms of his devoted wife at his “Forever Home” in Little Falls, NY. He was surrounded in love and unwavering support from a chosen circle as he courageously transitioned from his familiar patio oasis to the unknown.
The youngest of four children, John was born December 31,1976, in Medina, NY, to the late Charles Pulaski and his loving mother and trusted barber RoseAnn (Shevitski) Pulaski.
His siblings were a powerful influence in his life and created a strong appreciation for family. John was destined to entertain others, having affectionately being named “Razzle Dazzle” by his sister and lifelong karaoke partner, Marie, before he even drew his first breath. His passion for music was forged in the bedroom he shared with his brother Chuck, whom John looked up to his entire life. From his sister Stephanie, John gained an appreciation for all things aesthetically pleasing and a desire to create.
John graduated from Medina High School in 1995, having excelled on the tennis courts, participating in lacrosse because it was as close to hockey as he could get, and proudly creating with friends a cable access show coined the Somewhat Secret Society of the Salamander. After attending some college at FLCC and working at Crossman Air Guns in Canandaigua NY, John relocated to Pennsylvania where he resided for the majority of his adult life.
He enjoyed having his family close by as they had returned to the area after John and his siblings completed high school. John was especially proud of his apartment on Bridge Street in New Cumberland, often bragging about it being prime real estate at the epicenter of all things happening – that he had everything he needed within a short drive, if not within walking distance.
John became familiarized with the streets of the area by landing a job as a delivery person for The Graphic Arts Studio, which solidified his love of graphic design. He made lifelong friends there, as well as by bartending at the White Hill Cafe and through his employment as a binder at Fry Communications.
John never met a stranger. His “gift of gab” enabled him to connect with almost anyone with whom he crossed paths. He maintained friendships from every phase of his life, and despite one of his many nicknames being “Judgy John”, he saw the best in everyone. He valued human connection and utilized his vast knowledge of music, his sense of humor, and storytelling skills to bring people closer together.
Shared experiences were paramount to him. Whether it was a wild dream he had the night before, the first taste of something he couldn’t wait to eat, a fond memory he was reliving, or songs that were stuck in his head at 3 a.m., it meant more if it was shared. He was a master at selecting songs that were appropriate to the current circumstance or mood. The volume at which he preferred to share his music with his neighbors brought John and the New Cumberland PD together on multiple occasions.
In late 2019 an acquaintance, Heather Cummings, who he had met almost 20 years prior while visiting close friends in his hometown, reached out to share a random dream she had about John. Heather grew up in Lyndonville, NY, and their lives were loosely intertwined in many ways, unknown by them, for many years before that dream sparked a conversation in which John shared some tunes. Late night chats and “music lessons” developed into a long-distance relationship that eventually prompted him to leave his cherished apartment and the city life to move to the edge of the Adirondacks. It was there that he got married and proudly became a stepfather. The peaceful country life suited him far better than he could have imagined.
His final years involved many campfires, birdwatching, and stargazing. He proudly made wooden baseball bats at Rawlings Sporting Goods in Dolgeville, NY before being diagnosed with cancer.
John continued to find joy in every moment, and beauty in everything he laid eyes upon throughout his battle. He stayed true to himself, maintaining an incredible sense of humor, and rocking out to loud music until the very end. He will be remembered as a gentle giant who loved so many things very fiercely, who knew just enough about any topic to be dangerous and partied like a rock star.
John was predeceased in death by his father, Charles Pulaski of Steelton, PA in 2015, as well as his brother-in-law and built-in best bud Doug Simpson of Medina, NY in 2017. His beloved cat Alley, cherished fish Boris, and bonus cat Tay Tay were also waiting to greet him on the other side.
John is survived by his mother, RoseAnn Pulaski of Steelton, PA; his Ride or Die, Partner in Crime and Devoted Wife, Heather (Cummings) Pulaski; his step-daughter, Ella Mahnke; their bipolar cat, Swizzlesticks, in both love and-laws, John and Kathleen Cummings; brother, Charles (Annette) Pulaski; sisters, Stephanie (Charlie) Klinger and Marie Simpson with her fiancé Rich Kenward; sisters-in-law, Sarah and Allyson Cummings; lifelong best friend, Marty Hobbs; and besties, Tiffani Funk and Craig Anderson. He also leaves behind many cherished cousins, nieces and nephews.
There will be no funeral services or gravesite per John’s wishes. A Halloween Party and Celebration of Life is currently being planned for the end of October in Caroga Lake, NY. John wished that in the future, those who wish to “visit” him attend a concert in his honor (not country or rap!!) and spend time admiring the natural beauty that all too often gets overlooked. He felt he could best be honored by remembering to appreciate every moment and connect with as many people as possible.
Arrangements are under the caring guidance of the locally owned and family operated, Vincent A. Enea Funeral Service, (next to Hannaford Markets), 527 E. Albany St., Herkimer, NY.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in John’s name to the Children’s Miracle Network or supporting public radio. The family wishes to extend a special thank you to both the Bassett cancer center in Herkimer, NY and Hospice of Herkimer County for fighting alongside John and treating him like family. In addition, John and Heather are beyond grateful for the efforts of John and Kathleen Cummings whose constant support ensured they were able to make the most of the little time they had together.
