Michael Anthony Gulotta

Pastor Michael Anthony Gulotta lived wholeheartedly with the joy described in his favorite Bible verse, Psalm 16:11: "You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand." Michael's path began on February 24, 1955 in Kansas City, Mo. He studied biology at the University of Central Missouri, and although Michael had a background in science, medical research, and construction, his passion for the Lord became the compass that directed him in adulthood. He married his wife of 42 years, Virginia Gulotta, on September 23, 1978 and seven years later, their young family moved to Bakersfield, Calif. to begin a life in ministry. Michael and Ginny founded Living Joy Faith Center in 2004 where Michael pastored faithfully for 16 years. He died at home on November 29, 2020, at age 65.

In the days following his death, messages and memories streamed in from couples who were counseled by Michael before their weddings (that he often officiated). Others shared how they viewed Michael as a surrogate father and a man to lean on during life's ups and downs. Church members who moved away took life lessons with them and continued to feel pastored, even from afar. Michael was known for not only pouring his heart into friends and family, but strangers he met at local coffee shops too. He saw the best in people, no matter their circumstances, and made everyone around him feel welcome.

Michael's legacy is simple yet profound: love. An enormous heart for his family, his congregation, and his community fueled Michael's generosity and compassion. When he wasn't ministering to others or caring for their needs, Michael enjoyed spending time by the ocean, or planning vacations to Disneyland where his family made lasting memories throughout the years.

Michael is survived by his wife Virginia Gulotta, children Jona Williams and her husband Kenneth Williams II, Angela Gulotta, Jeremy Gulotta and his wife Crystal, and Andrew Gulotta and his wife Nicole; mother Shirley Irwin, brother Anthony Gulotta and his wife Kari, sister Vicki Domeny, sister Terri Snethen and her husband Jeff, brother-in-law Thomas Pogue and his wife Linda; grandchildren Alyssa Williams, Cassandra Williams, Kenneth Williams III, Christopher Williams and his wife Jenina, Elijah Gulotta, Jessiah Gulotta, Corban Gulotta, and Henry Gulotta; nieces and nephews Jami Domeny, Brett Domeny and his wife Kimberly, Lauren Vetanze and her husband Mario, Nicholas Gulotta, Austin Perryman and her husband Clarence, Colter Snethen and his wife Claire, Jason Pogue, and Lauren Pogue; and great nephew Luke Domeny and great niece Olivia Domeny.

A visitation will be held at Basham Funeral Care, 343 State Ave., Shafter, Calif. on Friday, December 11 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., followed by a memorial service at Greenlawn Cemetery, 3700 River Blvd., Bakersfield, Calif. on Saturday, December 12 at 10 a.m., which will be livestreamed on the Basham Funeral Care Facebook page. Online viewers must log in and "like" the Basham Facebook page in order to view the service.