Carl Tamulevich, a key contributor to the Naval Academy’s lacrosse dynasty in the 1960s and a member of the National Lacrosse Hall of Fame, died Sunday evening at the age of 79.

“We are heartbroken to lose our cherished friend and distinguished alum of the Naval Academy and NAAA (Naval Academy Athletic Association),” said Chet Gladchuk, Naval Academy director of athletics. “Carl touched the lives of so many in such meaningful and influential ways throughout his life as a mentor and role model to all. Our fond memories of Carl - his laugh, humor, personality, professionalism, and kindness — will always be ingrained in the lives of those that were fortunate to know him.” 

Tamulevich, a 1968 graduate of the Naval Academy, lettered in both football and lacrosse for the Midshipmen and was named a first-team All-American in lacrosse in 1967 and 1968. Navy compiled a 27-6-1 record and captured two United States Intercollegiate Lacrosse Association national championships during Tamulevich’s three seasons on the varsity. 

Tamulevich won the Schmeisser Award in 1968, awarded to the best lacrosse defenseman in the country, in addition to receiving Navy’s Theodore C. White Award in 1967 for outstanding contribution to the spirit, morale, and well-being of the lacrosse team. He was inducted into the National Lacrosse Hall of Fame in 1989.

After graduating from the Naval Academy, Tamulevich went to flight school at Air Station Pensacola and underwent multi-engine training at Air Station Corpus Christi. He spent 20 years flying the Lockheed P-3 Orion, an anti-submarine and maritime surveillance aircraft. 

Tamulevich returned to the Naval Academy in 1985 and served as the executive officer of the physical education department for two years before transitioning to deputy director of athletics in 1987. Two years later, Tamulevich was hired as the assistant athletic director in charge of scheduling and team support. He was promoted to senior associate athletic director in 1992 and retired in 2022 after more than three decades as an administrator.

A native of Nashua, N.H., Tamulevich earned letters in three varsity sports (football, basketball, and baseball) at Nashua High School. He won five state championships in those three sports and was named all-state in all three sports. He was Nashua High School’s Athlete of the Year in 1961 and the Naval Academy Prep School Athlete of the Year in 1964 after transferring to Navy from Holy Cross.

Tamulevich is survived by his wife of 54 years, Lori, his son Jeff, daughter-in-law Amanda, the widow of his late son CJ, and by seven grandchildren.

Information regarding funeral services has not been announced yet.