Master Sergeant Clement J. Gulla, U.S. Air Force, Retired, 81, a resident of Swoyersville, passed away early Thursday morning, January 11, 2018, at Saint Luke’s Villa, Wilkes-Barre, where he was a guest.

Born on July 11, 1936, in Kingston, Clem was one of four children born to the late Joseph C. Gulla and Felicia (Fetchko) Gulla Bartosh.

Raised in Swoyersville, Clem was a graduate of the former Swoyersville High School, Class of 1954. Clem returned to school later in life, earning an Associate’s Degree in Paralegal Studies from King’s College in 1990.

In 1963, he married Claire (Lawrence) Gulla, and together they welcomed their daughter, Lisa, in 1965. They were a travelling family who were proud to keep alive the spirit of the motto “Happiness is an Air Force Family”. They were married almost 52 years prior to Claire’s death on May 25, 2015.

A proud veteran of the United States Air Force for 23 years, he was privileged to serve at Strategic Air Command Headquarters in Omaha, Nebraska, followed by overseas duty in Oahu, Hawaii, and computer operations at the Pentagon and Bolling Air Force Base, Washington, D.C. Upon his honorable discharge, Clem had attained the rank of Master Sergeant.

Prior to his retirement in civilian life, Clem also worked in the computer center at King’s College, Wilkes-Barre, and Forbo Industries, Hazleton.

Four generations of his family were members of the former Saint Mary of Czestochowa Church, Swoyersville, where he served as an altar boy. Most recently, Clem was a member of Our Lady of Hope Parish, Wilkes-Barre (formerly Saint Mary’s Church of the Maternity).

Clem was a longtime member of American Legion, Andrew Lawrence Post 644, Swoyersville, which was named for his wife’s great uncle, Andrew Lawrence.

In addition to his parents, Joseph and Felicia, and his wife, Claire, Clem was preceded in death by his brother, Chester Gulla; his sister, Eleanor Forsyth; and his nephew, Brian Gulla.

Clem is survived by his daughter, Lisa Malarkey and her husband, Robert, Hanover Township; his two granddaughters, Lyndsey and Leah Malarkey, both of Hanover Township; his sister, Felicia Patton, West Chester; as well as several nieces and nephews from the Lawrence and Gulla families.

Relatives and Friends are respectfully invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial which will be celebrated on Monday, January 15, 2018, at 10:00 AM in Our Lady of Hope Parish, 40 Park Avenue, Wilkes-Barre, with the Reverend John S. Terry, Pastor, officiating. The Rite of Committal will be offered following the Funeral Mass.

Interment will follow in Saint Mary’s Roman Catholic Cemetery, Swoyersville, where Military Honors will be accorded by the United States Air Force.

The viewing will be private for the immediate family.

Funeral Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of the Wroblewski Funeral Home, Inc., 1442 Wyoming Avenue, Forty Fort.

For additional information or to send Mr. Gulla’s family an online message of condolence you may visit the funeral home website www.wroblewskifuneralhome.com.

Remembrances may be made in the form desired by friends. The family suggests that you thank a veteran for their service or simply spend time with a loved one or someone in need every chance you get.