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Byron George Hulse Jr. - Class of 1989

Submitted by Bill Norvell 1965 <w.norvell@att.net> on 24/Jun/2025
173.169.104.36

     Byron G. Hulse Jr., 54 years old, from Coldenham, NY entered into eternal peace on Sunday, June 22, 2025. He was surrounded by so much love as he ended his journey with us here on Earth. His wife and two of his sisters-in-law never left his bedside.

Byron suffered a long, grueling six-year battle with lupus, raynauds, heart failure, and emphysema. Unfortunately, end stage emphysema took him from us far too soon.

Byron was born in Newburgh, NY on March 14, 1971 to Byron and Mary (Thompson) Hulse. He was the eldest of their two children, with his sister, Sandy, being just 14 months younger.

Byron was a 1989 graduate of NFA, in Newburgh, NY. Until his early retirement in 2022, Byron drove a tractor trailer for UPS Freight, which is now T Force in Montgomery, NY.

Byron was a diehard Dallas Cowboys fan. In November of 2023, Byron fulfilled a bucket list item. He attended a Cowboys game at their new stadium, and they won the game! He was incredibly happy to have made that trip. He was giddy and had the time of his life. It was difficult for him, but he persevered and made it happen.

He also loved the New York Yankees. Before becoming disabled, he liked to fish, and he enjoyed hunting. Hunting was a love he shared with his father. He also liked watching wrestling and listening to Howard Stern. He greatly enjoyed watching history documentaries. He used to love Nascar until all of the restrictions came about that he had many, many harsh opinions on...... RUBBING IS RACING!!!

His favorite weekend activities used to include being outside as much as possible doing the things he enjoyed. He loved to detail his beloved truck, install after market gadgets on his truck, barbecue, smoke meat all day in his smoker, have friends and family over every weekend, play darts in his shed, play horseshoes, play games, and most importantly, listen to music.

Byron married his "Love of a Lifetime," Regina (Britton) on July 2, 1995 after four years of dating. He always told her that the very first time he saw her, before even speaking to her, he knew she was the girl he wanted to marry and spend the rest of his life with.

Regina likes to think she was Byron's one true love, although it was quite apparent that this title was taken by their daughter, Kayla, when she completed their lives in 1997. He lovingly referred to her as "kid" and "Jerky." He was her 'Beef" and she was his "Jerky." Although, when feeling cheeky, he was referred to as By-rone. Kayla was the light of his life, and he could not have been more proud of her. The bond that they shared was magnificent and truly heartwarming. He loved his girl in the most endearing way, even though they picked on one another relentlessly. All in good fun, of course.

Byron was beaming with pride, honor, and love when he got to walk his little girl down the aisle on October 18, 2024 when Kayla married her soul mate, Joey Maffettone. He was terrified he would not be physically able to handle it, but he did an outstanding job and treasured every moment of it.

Byron was set to be a first-time grandpa this coming October. He was immensely excited to meet Parker Anthony and in his words, "be best friends." Byron assured us that he will now care for Parker until October when we will take over.

Byron was, however, a Dog Grandpa to Bailey. Bailey loved him so much and got crazy excited when she saw him. She would run in circles, run up and down the room, and then jump up on the couch to sit with him.

Byron also had a bonus daughter, Brianna Winnie. She is Kayla's best friend. He loved, worried about, and cared for her as his own child. She held a special place in his heart.

To know Byron was to love him. Everyone complimented his "dazzling smile" and how photogenic he was. He was the life of the party. Always. He loved to make people laugh, joke around, and poke fun at people. His laughter was infectious. Byron was as sarcastic as they came. He also had an incredible quick wit that would leave you in stitches. He was tremendously smart and had extraordinary common sense.

His biggest love was his family. His most hated thing was "stupid people" and frequently stated that the world needed a good purge.

Byron is survived by his devoted wife, Regina, and his loving daughter Kayla (Hulse) Maffettone and her husband Joseph. His mother, Mary (Thompson) Hulse. His sister Sandy (Hulse) Muller and her husband Michael. His grandmother Nancy (McGrath) Thompson. His mother-in-law and father-in-law, Janice (Taylor) and Billy Britton who loved him as their own. Sister-in-law Tina (Britton) Vredenburg and her husband Bob. Sister-in-law Brenda (Britton) Cramer. Brother-in-law Billy Britton and his wife Maria Diaz. Along with countless cousins, aunts, uncles, and friends. Byron was the proud uncle and great uncle to an astonishing number of fantastic children and young adults. He is survived by 13 nieces, 9 nephews, 6 great nephews, and 2 great nieces, with another great niece on the way. We would like to mention four cousins that Byron had a special bond with. Jimmy McGrath, Brandon Rose, Lisa (Rose) Rico, and George Madonia. Also, his aunt Sally Thompson, his aunt Terry (Thompson) Rose, his uncle Jeff Rose, and his uncle Eddie Thompson. His two wonderful friends from work, Greg Geraci and Roger Wright. Never to be forgotten, our concert buddies, Steve and Lisa Nahow, and Jimmy and Vicki Heddricks.

Byron is predeceased by his father Byron Hulse Sr. His dog, Molly. Grandfather Edward Thompson. Grandfather George Hulse. Grandmother Helen (Jennings) Hulse. Brother-in-law Stephen (Pat) Cramer. Great nephew Stephen Cramer, great niece Mia Cramer, and Aunt Mary Taylor.

Byron was known for "having the best sneaker game of anyone I've ever met!" He insisted on wearing sneakers to Kayla's wedding. He searched and searched until he found a pair that matched her colors. He pulled it off and looked quite dapper!

Services will be held at Brooks Funeral Home located at 481 Gidney Avenue, Newburgh, NY from 4 pm - 8 pm on Friday, June 27, 2025.

In lieu of flowers, we are asking for a donation to be made in Byron's name to any charity that is close to your heart. Or please choose one of the following that was personal for Byron.

The Lupus Foundation of America

The American Heart Association

The American Lung Association

... or...

Any reputable veteran's charity. Although Byron was not a veteran, many members of his family were. He was always so proud of his family's military history, especially his dad. Byron Sr was a Marine through and through.

We would like to thank the staff at Montefiore St. Luke's Cornwall Hospital, Newburgh campus, for their skillful medical care and their never-ending compassion. The nurses and doctors on Floor 2 North Step Down unit were nothing short of amazing. They allowed Byron to leave us with dignity.

Thank you to Coldenham Fire Company, Montgomery Ambulance, and Montgomery police.

As Frank Sinatra said, "I Did it My Way." Byron surely did.

Please raise a margarita and make a toast in his honor. - March 14, 1971 ~ June 22, 2025