John W. Bulgar

John Wilfred Bulgar, 101, of New Bedford, died November 5, 2026, at CareOne of New Bedford. Born in New Bedford, he was the son of the late John and Catherine S. (Runnells) Bulgar and a lifelong resident of the city.

Throughout the city, John was affectionately known as "Bullet," a nickname he earned in his youth for running as fast as a speeding bullet! He worked as a mason and carpenter for many years before retirement. John was a lifelong member of Bethel AME Church, where he attended services with his family. He enjoyed watching sports, especially when his grandchildren and great-grandchildren were playing. He was also a loyal fan to his favorite team, the Cleveland Browns. As a regular participant in the Cape Verdean Day parade he was honored to serve as Grand Marshall in 2021. He also enjoyed going to the beach, playing horseshoes, and listening to music in his backyard.

John cherished visits with dear friends and family who spent the day sharing meals, conversation while watching football, basketball and baseball. He treasured having fun with his grandsons, who loved him as both a grandfather with a steady presence and a buddy with whom they shared laughter and good times.

John served in the U.S. Coast Guard during World War II aboard the USS Theenim, sailing from the southeastern United States through the Panama Canal to the Pacific, where his ship endured enemy fire in the Sea of Japan. John was a member of the Cape Verdean-American Veterans Association and the former Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2892 in Fairhaven, maintaining a lifelong connection to his fellow veterans.

John leaves his children, John Bulgar; Stephanie Pina and her husband, Frank; Nancy Bulgar; Toni Pires and her husband, Joseph; Pamela Bulgar; Denise Bulgar; Lisa Bulgar-Small and her husband, Lance; stepchildren Beverly Via; Bradford Bulgar; and Steven Bulgar and family.

He also leaves his sister, Sarah Stroud; his grandchildren, Cory Pina, Dwayne Pina, Jordan Pina, Shaunell Bulgar, Shane Bulgar, Marcel DePina, John (Jon Jon) Bulgar, Clifton Johnson, and Braxton Bond; 17 great-grandchildren; and beloved nieces, nephews, cousins and many dear friends. He was formerly married to the late Phyllis A. Bulgar, with whom he shared six daughters. He was predeceased by his siblings Clifton Bulgar, Matilda Talley, Theresa Bazar, Mary Andrews, and Grace Goodine.

Visiting hours will be held on Thursday, November 12, from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Saunders-Dwyer Home for Funerals, 495 Park Street, New Bedford, Massachusetts. A viewing from 9-10am and funeral service will be held on Friday, November 13, at 10 a.m. at the funeral home, followed by burial at the Massachusetts National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers please make a donation to the GoFundMe