Christopher J. “Chris” Kulp, a cherished and beloved son, brother, family member and friend passed away on Sunday, February 28, 2021 at the age of 24. Chris will always be remembered for his enormous heart and desire to help others. Born in Bethlehem, PA on September 24, 1996, Chris is a 2015 graduate of Nazareth Area High School, Nazareth, PA where he played football and basketball. He graduated from North Carolina State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Biochemistry and a minor in Microbiology in 2019. He then accepted an invitation to and was currently working on his PhD at Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, where he was doing research in bacteria and biofilms.
Chris enjoyed getting together with his family on weekends and holidays and was one of his Dad’s favorite grilling buddies. Chris immersed himself in his work and loved performing research in the lab. Chris thrived on the volleyball courts and in tournaments across North and South Carolina. He also enjoyed weightlifting, working out in the gym and hiking in our country’s parks. He was a skilled gamer and enjoyed building high-end gaming machines for himself and friends. Chris loved animals, especially dogs and was always their favorite friend.
He is survived by his parents, Kevin and Jackie Kulp of Clayton, NC formerly of Nazareth, PA; brothers, Ryan Kulp of Greensboro, NC, Austin Kulp of Columbine, CO and Andrew Kulp and his wife, Lauren of Middletown, DE. Nephews, Gordon Kulp of Middletown, DE and Elliot Kulp of Columbine, CO. Grandparents, Linda Gerstenberg of Nazareth, PA and Robert Reilly and his wife, Susan of Easton PA. Chris was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Harold Kulp and Shirley Kulp of Bath, PA.
A funeral service celebrating Chris’ life will be held on Friday, March 5, 2021 at 2:00pm in the chapel of McLaurin Funeral Home with the family receiving friends one hour prior to the service from 1:00 until 2:00pm.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Chris’ name may be made to: Red Barn Rescue of Clayton 1577 Shotwell Rd, Clayton, NC 27520 (www.redbarnrescue.com). Fond memories and expressions of sympathy for the Kulp family may be entered below within the "add a memory" tab.