A star of the early years of the World Crokinole Championships, has passed away at the age of 78.
Joe Fulop, playfully referred to as the “Wayne Gretzky of crokinole” by himself and friends alike, passed away peacefully at Norview Lodge in Simcoe on March 28, 2023.
Fulop was a strong competitive crokinole player prior to the existence of the World Crokinole Championships, and was immediately one of the marquee players in the game when the tournament began, finishing 2nd in 1999, 3rd in 2000 and capturing the 20s championship in each of those years. In 2001 he became World Champion for the first time, winning on his 57th birthday. His three World Championship titles (2001, 2002 and 2004) stood alone in the crokinole record books until 2009 when Brian Cook equalled the feat. Even today his three titles are good enough for third all-time, behind Cook and Justin Slater.
The onset of Parkinson’s disease hampered Fulop’s competitive play, but he still managed to be among the top players for a number of years, finishing 3rd in 2005 and 4th in 2007. He last played at the World Championships in 2014, finishing 48th.
Fulop’s crokinole influence extended beyond competitive play. In 2007 he authored a book entitled “It’s Only Crokinole: But I Like It.” In 2006 he began organizing a crokinole tournament held at South Huron District High School in Exeter, where he worked as a teacher for over 30 years. He was also heavily featured in the documentary “Crokinole” which was released in 2006 and showcased his 2004 World Championship victory.
Fulop was well respected by his fellow competitors, and even has the rare distinction of having a shot named after him.
Joe Fulop was honoured by the World Crokinole Championship Committee with a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2008.
OBITUARY - Joseph Fulop
Joe Fulop passed away peacefully on Tuesday March 28, 2023, in his 79th year, at Norview Lodge in Simcoe, Ontario.
He is survived by his brother Frank, nephews Frank Fulop (Catherine) and Joe (Tara) Fulop, and great nephew Carter. Predeceased by his parents Joe and Geraldine, his sister Lynn Rowe, and sister in law Anne Fulop.
For over 30 years Joe lived in Exeter teaching, and coaching, at South Huron District High School and was very proud of all of his students. His passions were the horse races, baseball, and especially crokinole of which he was a 3 time World Crokinole Champion.
A graveside Service will take place at a later date in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Walsingham, Ontario.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to Parkinson Canada are appreciated and may be made directly, or by cheque through Wareing Cremation Services, 346 Simcoe Street, Tillsonburg, Ontario N4G 2J8 who have been entrusted with Final Arrangements.
Your messages of remembrance and condolence may be shared at wareingcremation.ca