Robert "Bobby" Arthur Hulse peacefully passed away on August 2, 2025, surrounded by an army of loved ones — exactly how he would have wanted it. He left this world the same way he lived in it: on his own terms, with music in the air, laughter in the room, and love all around.

Born on April 29, 1946, Bobby was one of eleven children born to Maude and Lewis Hulse — a family so big it came with built-in backup vocals. He is survived by his siblings Yvonne Osborne (John), Sandy Becker (Richard), Patty Chrisell (Chuck), Kathryn Youmans, Ronald Hulse, Randy Hulse (Jeany), David Hulse (Lisa), and James Hulse, and joins his beloved siblings Lewis "Buddy" Hulse and Sharon D'Angelo in the great jam session beyond.

Bobby was predeceased by his wife, Sue Hulse, and his stepson, Wayne.

If you've ever attended a wedding, fundraiser, or Saturday night bar gig in Delaware County between 1965 and 2020, chances are, Bobby Hulse was playing the steel guitar — and playing it better than anyone else. A true musical genius, Bobby could hear a song once and play it back like he'd written it himself. He was a regular on WDLA as a boy, performing alongside his father, and was a beloved member of the Hulse Brothers Band, who lent their talents to help countless local families, charities, and anyone in need of a good two-step.

He is also survived by his 5 children with Sandee Hall — Lisa Hulse (Billy Stanton), Rob Hulse (Janet Hulse), Shelley Polomcean (Bub Polomcean), Heather Keesler (Rod Keesler), and Jake Hulse. He his predeceased by his daughter Christina Hulse-Hodges and grandson Dylan Polomcean. Together they blessed him with ten grandchildren — Katie Backus, Kiley Brock, Ryle Keesler, Kennedy Polomcean, Dalton Polomcean, Devin Hulse, Olivia Hulse,Jared Loucks and Geoffrey Loucks, — and seven great-grandchildren: Jaxon Backus, Linkin Backus, Monroe Backus, Aiden Polomcean, Brycen Brock, Oaklynn Keesler and Henry Loucks. He is also survived by his two step-sons, Shane and Aaron Squires.

In addition to his immediate family, Bobby leaves behind many nieces, nephews, cousins, and special friends — including his longtime bandmate, Charlie Grossman. When you come from a family of eleven children, the list of loved ones is joyfully endless.

Bobby had an unmatched gift for storytelling — particularly tales from his youth, which may or may not have grown more colorful over the years (we may never know the full truth about that one time at The Shamrock). His sense of humor, quick wit, and ability to make people laugh were legendary. If you knew Bobby, you probably laughed with him. Or at him. Or both.

He filled his life with music, family, cold beer (or warm… he wasn't picky), stories, and joy — usually all at once. He was stubborn in all the best ways, and when Bobby loved you, you knew it.

He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, fellow musicians, and everyone lucky enough to have heard him play or sat across from him at a kitchen table.

In his memory, raise a glass, play a tune, tell a story, and laugh — loud and long, just the way Bobby would have wanted it.

Calling hours will be held at the Courtney Funeral Home Thursday August 7, 2025, 6PM-8PM.

Graveside service will be held at the Walton Cemetery Friday August 8, 2025, at 11AM with Pastor Larry Light officiating.

Courtney Funeral Home 25 Townsend Street Walton, NY 13856 is assisting the family. Please visit www.courtneyfh.com to express condolences.