Petro Kulynch
June 23, 1921 - January 17, 2015
The legacy of Petro Kulynych will forever be linked with our mission at Syla Foundation.
Petro "Pete" Kulynych was the son of Ukrainian immigrants and grew up in the coal-mining region of Pennsylvania, where he learned the value of hard work early in life. After high school he joined the Civilian Conservation Corps helping to build the Blue Ridge Parkway in North Carolina, later attending the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy and then serving in World War II. Using his GI benefits, he attended Kings Business College to earn a degree in accounting in 1946. Soon after, Pete settled in Wilkes, NC with his new bride, Roena Bullis, and took a modest bookkeeping job at a small hardware store in North Wilkesboro, North Carolina - an opportunity that eventually led to a lifelong career at what became Lowe's.
Over nearly five decades, he rose from bookkeeper to executive and chairman, helping guide the company's growth while maintaining a reputation for humility, integrity, and a hands-on work ethic. Pete became equally known for his philanthropy, both at Lowe's as chairman and president of the Lowe's Charitable & Educational Foundation, as well as personally through donating to two family philanthropic foundations run by his daughters.
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In 1998, Pete and Roena were named North Carolina Philanthropists of the Year. In 2011, Pete was named Life Trustee for 40 years of service to Wake Forest University by the university's board of trustees. In 2014, he was inducted into the Wilkes County Hall of Fame for his work in the community. His life reflects a deep commitment to giving back, grounded in his humble beginnings and belief in expanding opportunity for others.