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Obituary

Lawrence Joseph (Joe) McNulty

October 24, 1942 - June 5, 2022

Lawrence Joseph (Joe) McNulty
October 24, 1942 – June 5, 2022
Joe McNulty, 79, of Westchester, IL, passed away peacefully on June 5, 2022. He was born on October 24, 1942, in Sedalia, MO, the son of Larry and Esther (Windle) McNulty.

Family members include wife of 21 years, Anastassia (Novikova) McNulty; fur babies (Pie and Sky); sister, Susan (Mike) Hayes; nieces, Sara, Carrie and Julie, extended family members.

Preceded in death by his parents and brother, James McNulty.

Joe was a starting linebacker for Nebraska. He played three years under Bob Devaney, who considered him a very disciplined, tough for his size and smart player. Joe’s strength was his preparation, speed and ability to read opponent’s plays.
Joe traveled extensively around the world, having lived and worked in Australia. He also led numerous international projects in Europe. Ten years before his retirement, he worked at University of Nebraska, Lincoln Department of Educational Administration coordinating international programs through IREX and American Councils hosting exchange teachers and students from all over the world.

Funeral service to be held 11:00 a.m., Friday, June 17, 2022, at Roper and Sons funeral home, 4300 O Street, Lincoln, NE. Burial will follow at Lincoln Memorial Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to Shriners Hospitals or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

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SERVICES

June17

Funeral Service

CST

Roper & Sons Midtown Chapel

4300 O St.
Lincoln, NE 68510

(402) 476-1225

Share a Memory or Condolence

July 14, 2022

Dear Joe, “Joshka”, the way we called him with a Russian flavor… Not just a friend, he is family. The one who knows of all your joys and sorrows, the one who is truly interested in how your life is going. He has given us a gift of an unforgettable travel across the US. We were looking forward to his every Moscow trip. Joe was a friend not only to us but to our parents and kids as well. We are full of memories, gratitude and belief that life is going on. We will meet again!

– Ksenia Buzileva, Anastasia Buzileva, Olga Sergeeva, Vadim Kurilov, “Russian family”
June 17, 2022

Joe Mcnulty was the program coordinator for the 2008 TEA program at UNL. I happened to meet this wonderful soul as a TEA Fellow. His jovial character and helpful nature can never be forgotten. I believe he has been a blessing to every one who encountered him. You’re gone, Sir, but will never be forgotten. Rest in eternal peace.

– Singje Ch Marak
June 17, 2022

Joe was quite a character, he loved hiking with us, watching Alf, and really loved Christmas. He was a crusader and so much help to me during some difficult times. My son also has many fond memories while he was growing up. There are so many memories it is hard to know where to begin. Rest in peace Joe…

– Cindy (Keitges) Schmidt & Bob, and Zac
June 17, 2022

I’m not sure where to even start, there so many, many sweet memories of Joe. He loved telling the story of how he and I first met when I was 3 years old, that the room in our home was a little dark when he walked in and I thought he was a robot. From then on, he was my “Robot”, and my siblings called him Robot too. Into my teenage years and young adulthood, Joe became much more than a fun robot. He was my pillar of strength and courage, my rock and my protector. He was my coach and Number 1 supporter, my “go-to” in times of stress and worry. He encouraged me and told me how strong I was and that I could accomplish anything! He gave me pep talks and didn’t hesitate to “set me straight” when I needed it. Yes, we argued, but loved DEEPLY. He was ALWAYS there for me. What a loss, my heart aches. We’ve lost a loving, brilliant, kind, and generous man. I am Blessed and honored that he was part of my life. I love you Joe!!!

– Diane Keiges
June 17, 2022

Joe will be missed more than any words can ever say. Such a special part of all of our lives. So very many wonderful, precious memories and so many laughs. He did so much for our family and made our lives better in so many ways. The world is a different place without him in it, but I am deeply grateful to have had him in my life and to have known him for most of it. What a gift!

– Debbie Anderson
June 16, 2022

I was one of the lucky exchange students who met Joe in Lincoln, Nebraska almost 20 years ago. I came to America on a graduate scholarship to study at UNL and Joe and Nastya right away welcomed me and all the international students to their home. Joe became my mentor, my teacher and my supporter in everything I tried to learn and accomplish in America. He introduced me to all the great people in Nebraska, took us on trips, organized parties and was ALWAYS there to help. He has touched so many lives through his international exchanges and he was so proud to tell us about the amazing students from all over the world that he brought to study at UNL. I can’t imagine my two years at UNL without Joe, and I am forever grateful for his support and friendship. Several years later my family and I were super excited to welcome him in my home in Belarus. Sorry Joe for making you use some truly authentic outhouses in the villages in Belarus but thank you for your sense of humor and kindness! My mom will always remember how you tricked her to eat in a fancy restaurant in Minsk. As one of our international students said once, you always gave more than you ever expected in return. You will always live in our hearts and memories.

– Alesia Krupenikava (Muskie fellow from Belarus)
June 15, 2022

Many memories from years gone by. My sympathy to his family and friends.

– Joanie Coleman
June 15, 2022

Joe will continue to be remembered for all the lives he touched and for the services that he conducted over the years in addition to his UNL international exchange programs. His first wife, Lynda, and her family and their many friends continue to speak joyfully about him; his football players at Aquinas High School, Southeastern Oklahoma University, McCook Junior College, etc. all continue to share their fond stories of him; his comrades that he met during his military service in Viet Nam still ask about him; his associates met during his years as a stock broker in Nebraska and California continue to tell fond “Joe stories”. In short, he impacted many lives in so many ways and he will be remembered for the positive experiences that he provided to them all. He is someone never to be forgotten because of his unique Love Language of TIME and SERVICE to and for others.

– Sharon (and Bill) White (long-ago neighbors)
June 14, 2022

Joe was a friend and my math teacher at Aquinas High School. It was his first teaching job and he was one of the brightest persons that I ever met. He had a great sense of humor and kind heart. He taught me not to be afraid to “push the envelope” a bit if it meant having fun. A good life lesson for a Catholic girl. Although I lost track of him I have thought of him over the years. He was someone hard to forget! My sympathies to his wife and family.

– Jan (Sutter) Zegers-Lens
June 13, 2022

Joe made a huge positive impact on my life. He was the person who introduced me to the country of Georgia resulting in hosting a Georgian person in our home which led to traveling to Georgia which led to numerous other initiatives. Such a brilliant, accomplished, motivated, caring and fun person.

– Dr. Thomas Cardwell
June 11, 2022

Loving times were had; loving memories remain.. He never has been, nor will be, forgotten by those who care about him.. Deepest sympathies..

– Dr Lynda(McNulty) Lakin

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